Kampala, Uganda – Uganda Airlines CEO Jenifer Bamuturaki has confirmed that the airline’s lack of profitability is partly due to high jet fuel consumption and the costly leasing of aircraft for passenger operations.
The revelation came as Bamuturaki led a team of Uganda Airlines executives before the Committee on Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE) on August 14, 2025, to discuss the findings of the Auditor General’s report for the 2023/2024 financial year.
The national carrier reported a staggering loss of 237 billion shillings during the period under review, raising serious concerns about its financial sustainability.
Among the key challenges cited were the operational difficulties posed by its Bombardier aircraft, which are outdated and notoriously difficult to maintain due to a scarcity of spare parts.
COSASE has summoned former Uganda Airlines employees who oversaw the Bombardier fleet, demanding explanations for the financial losses and operational inefficiencies linked to the aircraft.
During the meeting, the committee scrutinized the Auditor General’s findings, pressing the airline’s leadership on their strategies to mitigate the losses.
Bamuturaki acknowledged that external factors, such as rising fuel prices and leasing expenses, have significantly strained the airline’s finances but stated that management is actively exploring measures to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
The ongoing probe by COSASE underscores the broader challenges facing Uganda Airlines since its relaunch in 2019, with persistent losses raising questions about its long-term viability.
The developments come at a critical juncture for the airline, which has been striving to establish itself as a competitive player in East Africa’s aviation sector.