By Spy Uganda Investigations Desk
For the past week, some sections of the media and social platforms have been awash with claims that over Shs 103 billion in Uganda Airlines ticket sales “vanished in the skies.” The story, quoting a query report by the Auditor General, painted a picture of a national carrier sinking under financial mismanagement.
However, our inside sources have disclosed that the mafias fighting to bring down that airline used a query report as opposed to final report which had responses or answers to the same. The responses, according to our highly placed sources are backed by stamped bank receipts and reconciliations, which confirmed that no money was missing.
“They used a query report as opposed to a final report with clear intentions of malice, because a final report has responses. It’s okay for the Auditor General to raise any query about anything, but you’ve to also capture the response of you’re being honest. What was flagged in the preliminary query stemmed from the use of different revenue collection systems by agents in various countries—something that required explanation and reconciliation, not sensationalism,” added our source.
The Muleya–Jennifer Transition and Genesis of Fights
The battles began the moment Jennifer Bamuturaki was appointed CEO in April 2021, following the exit of former CEO Cornwell Muleya, a Zambian National whose contract was terminated by president with his entire board and team.
Jennifer’s appointment triggered pushback from entrenched interests who had benefited under the old order. The smear campaigns quickly took shape, stretching from social media to Parliament.
At one point, Parliament’s COSASE committee, chaired then by Hon.Joel Ssenyonyi, tried to discredit her credentials. Jennifer, however, firmly defended her competence, stating: “I was appointed on merit and my record speaks through results. Uganda Airlines’ performance is improving, and no amount of mudslinging will take that away.”
Fuel Suppliers and the MixJet Saga
Not all battles are political. Some are financial and operational. One of the most telling episodes is MixJet, a major fuel supplier, which attempted to use underhand methods to cripple the airline.
When Uganda Airlines delayed in clearing some invoices, MixJet demanded that all payments be settled to zero balance before they could continue supplying fuel. This was a veiled attempt to ground the airline’s operations.
Instead of giving in, management quickly contracted AEG Fuel Company, which stepped in and kept planes flying. This decisive move not only saved operations but also exposed the hostile tactics of suppliers who were banking on paralyzing the airline.
The fallout from this confrontation partly explains the sponsored negative campaigns online, many of which trace back to insiders and external actors whose financial interests were disrupted.
Tangible Achievements Under Jennifer (2021–2025)
While detractors were busy curating scandals, Uganda Airlines quietly posted steady progress:
Revenue Growth
In 2021, before Jennifer’s appointment, the airline was collecting a megre USD 49m.
By 2024, revenue had grown to USD 166m — a 136% increase under Jennifer’s administration
In the 2022/23 financial year, Uganda Airlines made USD 63m.
In 2024/2025 financial year which just ended in June this year, Jennifer Bamuturaki and team manager to collect USD116m, that’s an 83% growth in a single year.
This shows that the graph 📈 is going up not down since she took over,but mafias cast a dark spot.
Expanded Routes
Since March 2023, six new routes have been added: Mumbai (India), Lagos(Nigeria), Abuja(Nigeria), Harare(Zimbabwe), London(UK), and Lusaka(Zambia). These connect Uganda to major commercial and diaspora hubs, boosting both trade and tourism.
Operational Stability
Despite global shocks in the aviation sector, Uganda Airlines has maintained consistency. Like many start-up carriers, it is yet to post profits, but the trajectory is clearly upwards.
Jennifer herself summed it up recently: “We are still in the growth phase. No airline in its first decade makes profits. What matters is our upward revenue curve, which demonstrates sustainability.”
Timeline of Uganda Airlines’ Growth (2019–2025)
2019: Uganda Airlines relaunched after nearly two decades of absence.
2021: Jennifer Bamuturaki appointed CEO, replacing Cornwell Muleya.
2022/23: Revenue collections reach USD 63m.
2023 (March): Six new routes launched – Mumbai, Lagos, Abuja, Harare, London, and Lusaka.
2023/24: Revenue nearly doubles to USD 116m, marking 83% annual growth.
2024: Annual collections rise further to USD 166m, a 136% jump compared to 2021.
Why the Attacks Persist
Independent investigations point to insiders and external lobbies — from former suppliers like MixJet, to beneficiaries of past procurement loopholes — who are determined to tarnish the airline’s image. The half-truth about Shs 103bn “vanishing” is just the latest in a line of curated scandals.
As one aviation analyst noted: “The attacks are less about accountability and more about disrupted interests. Uganda Airlines is finally being run professionally, and that has upset those who thrived in chaos.”
Looking Ahead
Uganda Airlines is still young, but its achievements in just four years under Jennifer Bamuturaki cannot be ignored: expanded routes, skyrocketing revenues, and survival in a hostile environment.
What the airline needs now is support to strengthen its systems and grow its brand, not endless sabotage. For Uganda, the flag carrier is not just a business — it is a symbol of national pride.
Unless detractors abandon their campaign of distortions, Uganda Airlines risks being remembered not for its progress but for the shadows cast by vested interests.
