Arrow Security Group Chief Executive Officer Capt. Mike Mukula condemned the way the government treated former police commander Sam Omala (Photo by Milton Niinga)
Pan African Movement Chairperson Mukula Calls for Urgent Reforms at “Challenged” Uganda Airlines
ENTEBBE, Uganda – The Chairman of the Pan African Movement in Uganda, Capt. Hon. Dr. Mike Mukula, has issued a stark assessment of the national carrier, Uganda Airlines, describing it as navigating a “difficult but not hopeless moment” plagued by operational and financial crises.
In a statement directed at national leadership, including H.E. @KagutaMuseveni, H.E. @Jessica_Alupo, and key transport and security officials, Mukula outlined a series of critical challenges threatening the airline’s viability and public standing.
According to the chairman, the airline is currently battling frequent flight disruptions, a severely overstretched small fleet, and escalating maintenance costs. These operational hurdles are compounded by mounting financial losses and “growing public frustration over customer service.”
Mukula pinpointed the core vulnerability: an over-reliance on a minimal number of aircraft. “Relying on only a few aircraft means that one technical issue can ground entire routes, damaging confidence and reputation,” he stated.
However, the veteran politician and businessman presented a dual-pathway recovery plan, insisting the situation is salvageable with immediate and strategic action.
Short-Term Prescription: Stabilize and Restore Trust
For immediate recovery, Mukula prescribed a four-point stabilization plan:
- Leasing additional aircraft to provide immediate capacity relief and operational redundancy.
- Improving maintenance planning to minimize technical disruptions.
- Strengthening customer communication to manage expectations and rebuild goodwill.
- Enforcing strict financial and governance controls to curb losses and ensure accountability.
“These steps can restore reliability and trust,” Mukula asserted, emphasizing that operational stability is the urgent priority.
Long-Term Vision: A Sustainable National Asset
Looking beyond the crisis, the chairman argued that Uganda Airlines must evolve from “survival mode” to a sustainable enterprise. His long-term strategic pillars include:
· Gradual fleet expansion aligned with market demand.
· Forging strong code-share partnerships to expand global reach.
· Focusing on profitable routes and cargo operations to improve financial health.
· Positioning Entebbe International Airport as a competitive regional hub.
“With disciplined management, transparency, and strategic investment,” Mukula concluded, “Uganda Airlines can shift from survival mode to becoming a credible national carrier that supports tourism, trade, and Uganda’s global connectivity.”
The statement, which also tagged the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (@UgandaCAA), signals high-level concern regarding the performance of the revived national carrier and places the issue firmly on the agenda of the country’s top administration.
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