COSASE Summons Uganda Airlines Management Over Financial Woes and Missing Contracts

The Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE) has issued summons to both current and former management of Uganda Airlines. This action stems from an inability of airline officials to appear before the committee as scheduled to account for various audit queries.

The committee is seeking explanations for substantial financial losses, a lack of formal contracts with aviation fuel suppliers, and the concerning underutilization of the airline’s aircraft fleet. These issues were highlighted in the Auditor General’s report and further underscored by a recent, unannounced inspection of the airline’s operations.

Officials specifically summoned include the accounting officer, the chairperson of the Contracts Committee, the manager of Corporate Affairs, and the chief executive officer. The summons are binding on both past and present office holders.

During parliamentary proceedings, COSASE chairperson emphasized that “no accounting officer will be protected by any office” and stressed the mandatory appearance of Uganda Airlines’ accounting officers, past and present.

The failure of airline officials to attend the initial hearing drew sharp criticism from MPs, with some suggesting the issuance of arrest warrants for continued non-compliance. A proposal to hold discussions behind closed doors was rejected, with members advocating for transparency in matters involving public funds.

The committee has firmly resolved that the officials must appear this Thursday morning. To guarantee their attendance, the summons will be physically delivered to the concerned individuals by Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) officers attached to Parliament.

Source: Nile Post