A staff of the Civil Aviation Authority-CAA has been arrested and suspended on allegations of extortion. On Thursday, social media was awash with allegations from travelers who claim that some immigration officers are demanding bribes before clearing them to take flights.
Addressing the media on Friday, CAA Deputy Director Olive Birungi Lumoonya said that the worker, who she declined to reveal the identity was arrested following a review of the videos that went viral on social media.
Lumoonya also said the ban on the use of mobile phones has been reinstated because these facilitate extortion.
She also said that under a new arrangement, the names of staff will be embroidered on the staff corporate uniform. Lumoonya also added that management has resolved that CAA staff can no longer take a passenger off a plane after boarding.
“A passenger will be offloaded with only the express permission of the director of airports and aviation security or General Manager for UCAA,” she said.
General Kasita Gowa, the Director of Immigration said that some of the social media posts were informative and helpful for the correction and discipline of errant staff but others were just sensational.
The Director of Airport and Aviation Security Eng Soona Ayub went through the processes a traveler passes through from arrival at the airport until the time of boarding a plane.
In March last year, three officials were arrested by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit after a refugee missed a flight ending up spending another US $1800 for another air ticket. CAA discouraged travelers from paying money to staff for any favors, adding that the traveler could equally be held liable.
