This archive report was first published on 10 May 2021.
Uganda Airlines has been embroiled in a bitter power struggle between its management and government bureaucrats, culminating in the sacking of the top management team on April 28 and the entire board a week later.
According to sources, Chief Executive Cornwell Muleya had been battling vested interests from politicians and employees who were proxies of powerful figures since assuming office.
On January 27, Mr. Muleya wrote a brief to President Yoweri Museveni on the conflicted situation at the airline, which was delivered to Gen. Caleb Akandwanho (Museveni's younger brother) in Gulu for onward delivery.
However, on April 26, the board and management team received a 12-point letter from Junior Minister for Works, Joy Kabatsi, raising issues that were a mirror image of the contents of Mr. Muleya's brief to the president.
The letter, titled 'Pertinent Issues Regarding the Management and Operations of Uganda Airlines,' questioned the board's role in recruitment and procurement, delayed certification of the A330 fleet, and other operational issues.
Ms. Kabatsi's letter gave the board chair an ultimatum to respond to the issues raised by May 7 or risk a sack, which ultimately led to the sacking of the top management team and the entire board.
According to sources, Mr. Muleya's efforts to discipline errant managers were often overridden by the board, who accused him of trying to undermine their authority.
As the power struggle continues, suppliers are left in the dark, trying to make sense of the situation.
When contacted, Ms. Kabatsi referred us to Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, Minister for Works and Transport, who said the top management team had been forced to take accumulated leave.
