Passengers hoping to travel with Uganda Airlines this weekend are facing an unexpected disruption, as the national carrier has cancelled multiple flights through Sunday due to what it initially described as “technical issues.”
But now, sources inside the airline paint a more troubling picture: a deepening power struggle between the airline’s members of the board and the oversight committee that’s left operations in limbo — and passengers caught in the middle.
At Entebbe International Airport, the mood is one of quiet frustration. Long lines, unanswered questions, and confusion dominate the check-in halls.
“I was supposed to fly to Nairobi for a family emergency,” said Sarah Nakato, a passenger who had her flight cancelled without notice. “No one’s saying anything. We’re just left hanging.”
Uganda Airlines has yet to issue a formal statement about the disruptions, leaving travelers relying on vague updates and rumors. While some staff have attributed the delays to maintenance issues, it’s now clear there’s more going on behind the scenes
Several well-placed sources within Uganda Airlines and the Ministry of Works and Transport confirm that the real issue stems from unresolved tension between the Board and the oversight committee.
Key decisions — including those related to fleet maintenance, safety approvals, and resource allocation — have reportedly been delayed or blocked due to disagreements at the top.
“This isn’t just about broken equipment,” one insider said on condition of anonymity. “This is about broken communication between people who are supposed to be working together. Planes can’t fly when no one’s signing off on the work.”
The internal conflict has left technical teams without the clear direction or resources needed to address maintenance needs — grounding planes and leaving crews idle.
Despite growing public frustration, neither the Board nor the committee has come forward with an official explanation. For many passengers, the silence is more frustrating than the cancellations themselves.
“I understand things can go wrong — machines fail, weather happens,” said Brian Mugisha, a frequent flyer. “But at least talk to us. Don’t leave us in the dark.”
On social media, hashtags like #UgandaAirlines and #GroundedAgain have begun trending, as customers share their stories and demand accountability.
Uganda Airlines was relaunched in 2019 with high hopes of becoming a flagship carrier for the region. But the latest crisis adds to a growing list of challenges, including past allegations of mismanagement and inconsistent service.
Aviation experts warn that the current silence and lack of transparency could further damage the airline’s reputation — not just with passengers, but with international partners.
“An airline isn’t just about planes — it’s about trust,” said an aviation analyst. “And right now, that trust is eroding fast.”
With no official timeline for resolution, passengers are being advised to seek alternative travel options or request refunds where possible. However, many are finding it difficult to get through to customer service or receive timely updates.
Consumer rights groups are calling for the government to intervene and for leadership at Uganda Airlines to address the situation publicly.
Uganda Airlines has grounded flights through Sunday — officially due to technical issues, but unofficially due to internal conflict. As passengers wait, the silence from the airline’s leadership grows louder.
Whether it’s an engine problem or a boardroom battle, people just want answers — and right now, they’re not getting them.
