A storm is brewing over Uganda’s skies, not from the weather, but from controversy. The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) is under fire following revelations that 82 employees were hired using fraudulent academic qualifications, with 67 of them working in technical positions involving critical responsibilities like aircraft piloting and maintenance.
Audit sparks alarming findings
Initiated in February 2024, the investigation followed concerns over irregular hiring practices in 2023. Auditors reviewed over 2,688 certifications, revealing widespread credential forgery. These alarming findings threaten to compromise the safety and integrity of Uganda’s civil aviation operations, raising serious questions about airworthiness and public trust.
High-risk roles implicated
Among the staff implicated, 67 individuals held roles where errors could prove catastrophic. These include aircraft maintenance personnel, air traffic controllers, and flight operations staff.
Such positions demand top-tier qualifications and unwavering precision—yet many appeared to be filled based on documents now deemed fake, posing a direct threat to flight safety.
The scandal intensified after President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni reportedly issued a letter urging the dismissal of 152 aviation employees for not meeting the required standards. Despite this directive, protests erupted among staff, prompting UCAA to launch a disciplinary task force to review each case individually.
As of now, explanations from 54 employees have been heard, and the review process continues, with the nation watching closely for decisive action to restore confidence in its aviation sector.
