MPs to inspect civil aviation offices
This follows a ruling made on August 19, 2026, by Muwadda Nkunyingi, the Chairperson of the Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities, and State Enterprises (COSASE). The ruling came during a meeting with aviation officials led by their acting director-general, Olive Birungi Lumonya.
Muwadda Nkunyingi, the Chairperson of the Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities, and State Enterprises (COSASE). (File photo)
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Members of Parliament (MPs) were Thursday set to inspect Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) offices in Entebbe.
This follows a ruling made on August 19, 2026, by Muwadda Nkunyingi, the Chairperson of the Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities, and State Enterprises (COSASE). The ruling came during a meeting with aviation officials led by their acting director general, Olive Birungi Lumonya.
The meeting was centred around Auditor General (AG) Edward Akol’s 2024/25 report on the entity. In his report, he highlighted the existence of idle assets worth sh17.4 billion and noted delays in the completion of projects, including Pakuba and Gulu airfields, among others.
Muwadda responded, indicating that such issues warranted a spot check of this nature.
"Among the assets identified by the Auditor General is a baggage scanner, among others, as well as several incomplete projects that could potentially lead to financial losses. Our concern is why the board, which is responsible for supervising these directors, took so long to identify these errors. Why did they completely fail to recognise this anomaly to the point where another entity had to intervene and direct the minister?” Nkunyingi argued.
“The situation raises questions about whether the board even functions or exists at all,” he added.
Corruption allegations
The individuals who were dismissed are Eng. Ronald Twesigye, who coordinated the expansion of Entebbe International Airport and chaired the UCAA Contracts Committee; Eng. Sooma Ayoub, the Director of Airports responsible for airport operations; and Helen Wenene Mary, the entity’s legal chief.
As per the board's decision, these positions were temporarily filled by Eng. Herbert Ngobi, Sam Wonekha, and Joel Okwalinga.
During a hearing yesterday, Bruce Balaba Kabaasa (Rubanda West, NRM) expressed concerns regarding the management's actions to confirm the acting directors before their legally permitted tenure expires. "There is a presidential directive that has appointed a number of individuals here as acting directors in the agency. We know that the law limits acting positions to six months, and we need to understand how long these officers have been in their roles. If their acting tenure has exceeded six months, what remedies do they have? If it has not yet reached six months, what plans are in place in the event that the six-month limit is reached before the president decides on the fate of those suspended?" Balaba questioned.
Dr Timothy Batuwa Lusala (Jinja South Division West, NUP) emphasised the importance of the internal auditor's report, if one exists, regarding the conduct of the dismissed individuals in the public interest. "I believe we may not find this information in the Auditor General's report, but it is a matter that has emerged and warrants attention," he stated.
MPs, Birungi stand-off
During the hearing on Wednesday, Members of Parliament (MPs) debated for over an hour regarding the appropriate designation of Olive Birungi Lumonya.
Birungi, who has served as the Deputy Director General of Civil Aviation for the past five years, revealed that since November of last year, she has intermittently assumed the responsibilities of the substantive Director General, Fred Bamwesigye, whenever he is away for medical treatment.
This prompted COSASE chairperson, Nkunyingi, to request that she present the necessary appointing instruments to clarify who would hold full responsibility for the accountability issues outlined in the auditor general’s report.
“For the record, we are an accountability committee. It is not sufficient to have a good introduction or appear in a photograph labelled ‘Director General’ or ‘Deputy.’ We scrutinise the records, and it is the witness's responsibility to provide and substantiate those records. Additionally, we want to understand the roles of the Deputy from the appointing instrument, which is why we requested it,” he explained.
“The substantive appointment will help us understand your roles and authority in the absence of a Director General. In your introduction, you only referred to a delegated authority of the Director General. Please provide us with the appointing instrument so we can ascertain the substantive position before delving into the delegated role. In matters of accountability, we interpret records according to the law, not merely based on appearances,” Nkunyingi reiterated.
Move divides MPs
The decision, however, caused a division among MPs. Some, including Martin Muzaale (MP for Buzaaya County), argued that it was necessary, especially in light of the revelations made by Works and Transport Minister Fred Byamukama regarding potential corruption within the civil aviation sector during a recent committee appearance.
“The minister (Fred Byamukama) made a statement that disturbed me, claiming that civil aviation is a corrupt entity, full of dishonest individuals. I don't know if I should assume that everyone here is corrupt based on that statement. Madam Acting Director General, are you comfortable with such a statement from your supervisor?” Muzaale questioned.
Conversely, others, including Mpindi Bumali (MP for PWDs) and Bruce Balaba Kabaasa (MP for Rubanda West, NRM), disagreed.
“A deputy is a principal by appointment. Whether there is an instrument or not, if there is reason for the deputy to perform the duties of the principal, there is absolutely no question about the deputy's competence or authority to act,” Balaba contended.