Uganda Airlines is under increasing pressure following warnings that unresolved financial, safety, and governance challenges could push the national carrier toward an international aviation ban.

Veteran journalist Andrew Mwenda has cautioned that unless sweeping reforms are implemented within the next three months, the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) may be forced to ground the airline to avoid potential blacklisting by international aviation regulators. According to Mwenda, the airline is currently operating in ways that breach International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) rules on competition and safety.

He warned that maintaining operations without meaningful reforms would place UCAA in a difficult position—either indirectly subsidising the airline in violation of ICAO competition standards or risking sanctions that could see Uganda Airlines barred from international airspace.

Mwenda further noted that if decisive action is not taken within the next three to four months, grounding the airline may become unavoidable, as foreign jurisdictions could deny landing rights if safety and governance concerns persist.

Among the most serious allegations are claims that Uganda Airlines has failed to pay several service providers, including those responsible for safety-critical operations. Mwenda stressed that aviation is a high-risk industry where even minor lapses can have catastrophic consequences, making strict regulation and compliance essential.

Concerns have also been raised about aircraft maintenance practices. Mwenda alleged that some aircraft have been grounded while parts are removed from others to keep a limited number operational—a practice commonly referred to as aircraft “cannibalisation.”

He cited the airline’s CRJ fleet, claiming spare-parts shortages have forced management to rely on grounded aircraft to sustain operations, describing the situation as highly unusual and troubling.

The airline’s expansion strategy has also drawn criticism. With only two wide-body aircraft servicing long-haul routes to destinations such as London, Dubai, Mumbai, Lagos, and Abuja, any technical fault can lead to prolonged disruptions.

Mwenda observed that while industry-standard delays are typically measured in hours, Uganda Airlines passengers have often faced delays lasting several days.

According to Mwenda, these operational challenges are compounded by weak leadership and oversight. He described the airline’s board as ineffective and accused key oversight institutions of failing to exercise proper supervision.

Financially, Uganda Airlines is alleged to owe UCAA approximately $70 million in unremitted passenger taxes and statutory fees collected through ticket sales. Mwenda described the failure to remit these funds as theft, further damaging relations between the airline and its regulator.

Recent reports indicate that following an audit that uncovered alleged corruption, collusion, and mismanagement, President Yoweri Museveni directed the Inspector General of Government (IGG) to pursue criminal investigations.

The probe reportedly targets board members and senior management over allegations including bribery, procurement irregularities, nepotism, questionable training decisions, and misuse of revenue. Officials named in connection with the allegations include board chair Perez Ahabwe and other senior staff.