Whistleblower Exposes Procurement and Financial Anomalies at Uganda Airlines

A series of detailed leaks by whistleblower Brendan A. Wadri has exposed multi-billion shilling procurement controversies, asset diversion, and alleged kickback schemes within Uganda’s national carrier, Uganda Airlines. These revelations emerge amidst an active, high-level crackdown led by the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) and the State House Anti-Corruption Unit into the airline’s multi-billion shilling transactions.

1. The UGX 107 Billion Transfer & Aircraft Spares Kickbacks

The leaks raise urgent questions regarding the sudden movement of UGX 107 billion and two unit trust accounts belonging to Uganda Airlines that were originally held with Old Mutual Uganda. According to the dossier, the funds were allegedly moved after an Independent Financial Advisor (IFA) refused to grant personal kickback commissions disguised as facilitation fees.

Simultaneously, a massive procurement scandal has hit the carrier’s engineering department regarding an aircraft spares contract with Regional One (USA)—the replacement supplier brought in after Lufthansa Technik announced its planned withdrawal of support.

Senior officials from Uganda Airlines and a representative from the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA) stand accused of demanding 25% to 40% in monthly personal kickbacks. The supplier was allegedly threatened that failure to comply would result in the block of their contract by the Solicitor General’s Office.

free unlimited internet installation uganda by black knight africa

2. Asset Diversion and the $100,000 Juba Business Loan

Internal financial tracking has turned its focus toward former employee Joshua Ayebare, who allegedly admitted to diverting USD 100,000 of company funds.

Rather than servicing the airline, the money was reportedly loaned out to private individuals heavily connected to State House officials executing commercial trade in Juba, South Sudan. While the Company Secretary acted to relieve Ayebare of his duties, critics argue the swift termination has undermined a structured legal process to recover the missing cash.

3. The UK National Westminster Bank Fraud

The Uganda Police Force and the Director of Public Crimes are facing immense pressure to fast-track an international cyber-fraud case tied to the national carrier. Investigators are tracking a fraudulent diversion of USD 262,388.76 which was illegally routed out of the airline’s accounts and deposited into a National Westminster Bank (NatWest) account in the United Kingdom.

4. The South African ACSA Lawsuit: Case No. 23/119918

On the international legal front, attention has shifted to the airline’s legal department, headed by Company Secretary Ms. Susan Batuuka Kaggwa.

Public records highlight a high-stakes legal battle in South Africa: Aviation Co-ordination Services (Pty) Ltd and Others // Airports Company South Africa SOC Limited and Others (Case No. 23/119918). While internal sources claim the legal maneuvering successfully shielded Uganda Airlines from an astronomical USD 13,000,000 fine, anti-graft bodies are scrutinizing the terms of the settlement.

5. The Mixjet Fuel Contracts Under Fire

The most politically sensitive aspect of the ongoing probe targets the airline’s aviation fuel supply contracts.

The CID has formally demanded the procurement files for Mixjet Flight Support Services and Associated Energy Group. Anti-corruption watchdogs are demanding transparency from the Ministry of Works and Transport regarding the exact beneficiaries of these highly inflated fuel middleman deals.