UCAA Deputy Director General Olive Birungi

Photo credit: Sarah Achen

By : Sarah Achen

Passenger traffic at Entebbe International Airport is showing signs of recovery following disruptions linked to the Ebola outbreak, the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) has said.

UCAA Deputy Director General Olive Birungi told Parliament’s Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE) that passenger numbers are gradually increasing as airlines that had suspended operations to Uganda prepare to resume flights.

Birungi cited KLM, which temporarily suspended flights to Uganda amid concerns over the Ebola outbreak. She said the airline has notified the authority that it plans to resume operations on September 20.

She also revealed that Emirates is increasing its flight frequency to Uganda to five flights per week, a move expected to further improve the country’s international air connectivity.

According to UCAA figures, Entebbe International Airport handled 156,342 passengers in July, up from 131,246 passengers in June, indicating a steady recovery in passenger traffic.

The aviation sector was among those affected by the Ebola outbreak, with some countries and airlines temporarily restricting or suspending flights to Uganda over fears of transmission.

Birungi made the remarks as COSASE scrutinised the operations and management of UCAA following concerns over alleged mismanagement at the authority.

The committee, chaired by Kyadondo East MP Nkunyingi Muwada, summoned members of the UCAA board after learning that several senior officers were performing their duties in an acting capacity.

During the proceedings, Birungi told MPs that the changes followed a directive from President Yoweri Museveni to terminate the contracts of three senior UCAA officials.

She said that on July 17, the President wrote to the Minister of Works and Transport, Fred Byamukama, who subsequently communicated the directive to UCAA on July 24. The affected officials were later replaced by officers serving in acting capacities.

Muwada questioned why the UCAA board had to wait for presidential intervention before taking action against the officials.

The committee has also resolved to visit Entebbe International Airport to assess the progress of ongoing works and inspect airport equipment, including security scanners.

The planned inspection follows concerns raised in both the President’s communication and an Auditor General’s report regarding non-functional scanners at the airport.

Birungi said UCAA is ready to receive the committee at the airport and provide access to the facilities and equipment for inspection.