The management of Civil Aviation Authority has spoken about the messages making rounds on social of staff soliciting money from travellers at Entebbe airport.
In a message making rounds on social media, it is alleged that travellers are asked to part with $100 as pocket money so as to help them in case of any problems while on the journey.
“This has been turned into a theft trap by the airport staff .When the clearing agents see this money, they intimidate the travellers with countless questions to fail them from boarding,” says in part the message.
However, in a statement released on Monday afternoon, CAA says that such claims have been thoroughly investigated and where staff from various agencies operating at the airport has been found culpable, disciplinary action has been taken.
“It is important for the public to know that while CAA manages and operates Entebbe airport, there are several other independent service providers of key services at the airport including but not limited to immigration, customs, handling agents (ENHAS and DAS) and airlines among others,” says the statement by Civil Aviation Authority.
“The authority has and continues to engage all the airport service providers to ensure complaints are duly addressed to the satisfaction of the airport users.”
The message circulating on social media also alleged that the airport agents send one of their own disguising as a good Samaritan to offer help to the frustrated travellers but at a cost of $100.
The "good Samaritan" will assure the frustrated traveler that it will be very hard to travel unless they're helped; so he'll cough the 100$.Some people have been conned up to 300$ because when the traveler looks to be financially well off, they demand for up to 500$ as pocket (show off),”says the message.
However, CAA ha cautioned the traveling public not to be compelled into paying money to anyone at the go through the airport .
“Please immediately report any cases of extortion in exchange for favours.”