By Spy Uganda
The Director General of the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), Fred Bamwesigye, has come to the defense of 152 employees flagged by President Yoweri Museveni for dismissal, arguing that while some lack conventional academic qualifications, they possess “specialized aviation training” critical to their roles.
This comes in the wake of a stinging letter from President Museveni dated June 25, in which he ordered the Ministry of Works and Transport to terminate the services of over 150 UCAA staff. The President accused the Authority of harboring unqualified personnel hired through irregular processes—citing systemic inefficiencies and what he termed “massive corruption” at Entebbe International Airport.
Among the incidents that reportedly triggered the presidential wrath was a diplomatic embarrassment: a foreign VIP became trapped in a faulty elevator, a situation the President used to highlight alleged incompetence within the Authority.
“I am reliably informed that the problem of massive corruption… comes from the massive recruitment of staff who are not qualified,” Museveni wrote in the now-viral letter.
Bamwesigye Pushes Back
In a formal response issued via UCAA channels, Director General Bamwesigye dismissed accusations of incompetence, arguing that the flagged staff had been adequately trained—even if they didn’t hold traditional university degrees.
“Many were seconded from other government institutions and later absorbed after proving their capability. What matters in aviation isn’t just a degree—it’s skill, certification, and specific technical training,” Bamwesigye stated.
He emphasized that international aviation standards prioritize practical competencies and sector-specific certifications over academic transcripts—particularly in technical roles where proficiency can be acquired through targeted programs.
Parliament, Auditor General Ring Alarm Bells
However, both the Auditor General and Parliament’s Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities, and State Enterprises (COSASE) have previously raised red flags over UCAA’s staffing. The Auditor General’s 2023 report revealed that at least 79 individuals were hired without formal interviews, proper documentation, or academic credentials.
COSASE Chairperson Joel Ssenyonyi condemned the trend during recent hearings, describing the hiring process as opaque and contrary to public service guidelines.
“You don’t recruit people and then ask them to go get qualifications,” MP Charles Bakabulindi lashed out during one session. “That’s putting the cart before the horse.”
Social Media Backlash
Public reaction has been swift—and brutal. Ugandans on social media have largely dismissed UCAA’s justification, accusing the Authority of institutionalizing backdoor recruitment.
“They get the job, then go for training and qualifications? Why not give the opportunity to those already qualified?” read a popular Facebook comment.
The broader public outcry underscores growing frustration with what many perceive as a broken meritocracy in public service, where personal connections often trump credentials.
Insiders suggest deeper fault lines within UCAA leadership. Whistleblowers claim that internal factionalism has led to long-serving but informally qualified staff being marginalized in favor of seconded or politically connected individuals. Some allege that the lift incident was merely a trigger for a long-planned purge amid leadership tensions.
Rumors have also swirled around Bamwesigye’s own tenure, with speculation that he may be fighting to retain his position amid mounting political pressure.
Despite his defense, the President’s directive was unambiguous: all unqualified staff—and those responsible for their recruitment—must be dismissed.
The responsibility to execute Museveni’s directive now falls to Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala. It remains unclear whether the Ministry will fully enforce the order or seek a compromise.
Parliament is expected to intensify its probe, potentially paving the way for administrative or even criminal sanctions.
In Uganda—where public sector jobs often serve as springboards to both opportunity and influence—the question of who gets hired, and why has evolved beyond bureaucracy. It’s a political battleground.
For now, the careers of 152 UCAA staff hang in the balance. Whether their “special training” will satisfy the expectations of State House—or the court of public opinion—remains uncertain.
