Uganda Airlines chief executive Jenifer Bamuturaki has hit back at social media criticism suggesting the airline’s Bombardier CRJ-900 fleet is unsafe, insisting the planes meet global safety standards.
Appearing before the Parliamentary Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE), Bamuturaki said the allegations were misleading and damaging to the national carrier’s reputation.
“These claims are false. Our Bombardier aircraft are safe. The issue is not safety, but the challenge of sourcing spare parts after Bombardier discontinued production,” Bamuturaki explained.
The COSASE session was convened to scrutinize Uganda Airlines’ financial performance and procurement decisions in light of the Auditor General’s 2023/24 report.
The committee raised concerns about persistent losses, including Shs237.855 billion in 2024, despite government investments and reported revenue contributions of up to Shs1 trillion over five years.
“We are disappointed with the continued financial losses, despite significant government investment,” one committee member remarked.
Bamuturaki attributed the losses primarily to high fuel costs, aircraft depreciation, and crew allowances, saying these remain the biggest financial burdens on the airline.
She further clarified that perceptions labeling the CRJ-900s as “junk” were unfounded.
Instead, the discontinuation of Bombardier’s production has made acquiring spare parts more difficult, occasionally grounding aircraft and disrupting operations.
“We are struggling with spare parts for our four CRJ aircraft following the closure of Bombardier. However, the planes are safe, and we are taking measures to keep them operational,” she told the committee.
The COSASE committee stressed the need for greater accountability and transparency in the airline’s management to ensure sustainability and restore public confidence.