Whistleblower Alleges UCAA Protects Unregistered Airline at Entebbe

A whistleblower has lodged a complaint with the Inspectorate of Government (IG), alleging that the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) is complicit in enabling an unregistered airline, PearlSky, to operate from Entebbe International Airport. The complaint highlights that PearlSky, a tenant of the UCAA at the airport, purportedly lacks essential documents such as an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) and an Air Service License (ASL), which are mandatory for air operations in Uganda.

The whistleblower further claims that due to the absence of an ASL, PearlSky has not remitted the required annual performance bonds, amounting to $10,000 for domestic or $30,000 for international operations, unlike other licensed carriers. Concerns are also raised about the company operating without proper security passes despite occupying office space in a sensitive area.

UCAA, through its spokesperson Vianney Luggya, has responded by stating that upon receiving information in March 2026 about PearlSky potentially offering unlicensed domestic passenger services, they conducted a verification. This verification confirmed that PearlSky had applied for office space to market Misk Air Ltd. and did not hold the necessary licenses or own aircraft to operate commercial passenger services. UCAA noted that PearlSky’s activities, including offering flight reservations and apparent ticket sales under its name, created an impression of it being an air operator.

Following these findings, UCAA issued directives to PearlSky on March 27, 2026, to cease unauthorized operations and provide an explanation. Further regulatory action was taken on August 17, 2026, ordering PearlSky to immediately stop all unauthorized air service activities, including sales and promotions, and imposed a $5,000 penalty. A meeting on September 11, 2026, resulted in agreed corrective measures, including the cessation of unauthorized operations and ticket sales.

While PearlSky’s representative, Anthony Njoroge, denies operating as an airline and states they are a marketing company promoting tourism, online records and the company’s website present a conflicting identity, identifying as “PearlSky Markets AIRserv Ltd,” a domestic airline. The whistleblower questions the company’s foreign management and their work permits, as well as how PearlSky allegedly flies VIPs and ministers and uses airport announcement systems without proper authorization, suggesting internal protection within UCAA.

https://observer.ug/news/whistleblower-petitions-igg-over-illegal-airline-operating-at-entebbe