UCAA Top Management's Academic Credentials Under Scrutiny After Forgery Scandal

The Parliamentary Committee on Physical Infrastructure has requested Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) officials to submit academic credentials for 13 top managers. This demand follows the recent dismissal of 89 UCAA employees found to have used fraudulent academic documents to secure their positions.

The committee, led by Hon. Mwine Mpaka, expressed concerns about how unqualified individuals were hired, potentially compromising the safety of the nation’s airspace. “If you had 89 people who entered the institution using forged documents, yet many qualified Ugandans remain unemployed, how are we sure that all of you in top management are qualified?” Hon. Mpaka questioned.

UCAA’s Deputy Director General, Olive Lumonya, confirmed that investigations revealed 89 employees had falsified results, including their O-Level grades, to meet minimum qualifications. These individuals were dismissed after a disciplinary process, with some accused of altering grades or using others’ qualifications. The authority stated these employees were let go without terminal benefits.

Legislators voiced apprehension regarding the legality of the appointments and the status of those responsible for hiring the unqualified staff. They also inquired about measures to recover public funds paid to the dismissed employees.

Concerns were amplified by the nature of UCAA’s work. “This is an authority responsible for aviation safety. Employing unqualified staff exposes the country to serious risks and potential disasters,” stated Hon. David Gumisiriza. The committee has given UCAA one day to provide the requested documentation, emphasizing the critical need for qualified personnel in aviation security.

In a related matter, UCAA officials informed the committee that the government and Uganda Airlines collectively owe the authority over Shs233 billion for services rendered at Entebbe International Airport.