The Ministry of Works and Transport has requested a supplementary budget of Shs1.696 trillion, including Shs422.264 billion as an initial payment for 10 aircraft for Uganda Airlines. The request was presented by Minister Gen. Katumba Wamala on Monday before Parliament’s Budget Committee, ahead of the plenary debate scheduled for 2 December.
Gen. Katumba said the airline plans to acquire four mid-range Airbus aircraft, four wide-body Boeing jets, and two Boeing converted freighters for cargo.
“The supplementary budget covers the projected initial payments for these aircraft in the 2025/2026 financial year,” he explained.
He added that the funds include Shs247.019 billion for pre-delivery payments at the signing of the purchase agreements and Shs275.245 billion required in January 2026 from both Boeing and Airbus.
Katumba defended the expenditure, noting that securing aircraft slots requires upfront payments. “If you don’t pay for your slot, you won’t get the aircraft,” he said, citing large orders from other airlines like Qatar Airways.
Some MPs supported the purchase but raised concerns over Uganda Airlines’ operational issues. Kibedi Nsegumire (Mityana North) highlighted frequent delays and cancellations, saying, “We are buying aircraft, but we are losing customers. People book tickets but face delays of two to four hours.”
Maurice Kibalya (Bugabula North) urged Gen. Katumba to use his leadership to address management problems, warning that poor service risks eroding public support for the national airline.
“People love Uganda Airlines, but the management is failing to match that loyalty. Minister, fix Uganda Airlines,” he said.
Katumba acknowledged operational challenges, explaining that the airline is overstretched with its current fleet, handling 38–40% of traffic at Entebbe International Airport.
Uganda Airlines CEO Jenifer Bamuturaki attributed delays and cancellations to factors beyond management’s control, such as temporary airport closures or “no-term notices” at Entebbe, Bujumbura, Juba, and Dar es Salaam, which force schedule changes. “These disruptions, combined with logistical adjustments, are behind the delays, not poor management,” she said.
The supplementary budget will now go to Parliament for final approval.
