On Wednesday, MPs from Parliament’s Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities, and State Enterprises (COSASE) questioned Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) officials about the diversion of Sh3.5 billion meant for Entebbe International Airport to upcountry aerodromes.
The CAA officials were summoned to address audit queries from the Auditor General’s report for the financial year 2022/2023.
Allan Mayanja, the committee’s vice-chairperson and Nakaseke Central MP, led the session.
“The medium-term expenditure framework for the upcountry aerodromes was Sh3 billion, but we only received Sh2.5 billion from the Ministry of Works and Transport,” stated CAA’s Director of Finance, Hassan Musinguzi. He clarified that the funds received were insufficient.
“We utilized the funds fully, but they were not enough. CAA also allocated additional minimal resources for the aerodromes, and an extra Sh3.5 billion was used on top of what the Government provided,” Musinguzi explained.
Bukimbiri County MP Eddie Kwizera inquired if the CAA had requested additional funds from the Government.
CAA Director General Fred Bamwesigye responded that they had engaged the ministry but still received inadequate funding.
“Engagements are ongoing to ensure sufficient funds for the upcountry aerodromes, but we don’t always receive the full amount,” Bamwesigye said.
Challenges Highlighted
Workers’ MP Charles Bakkabulindi raised concerns about government entities disbursing different amounts than allocated by Parliament.
Bamwesigye acknowledged the challenge, noting that diverting funds meant for Entebbe International Airport breaches International Civil Aviation Organisation guidelines.
“Funds made by the facility should be reinvested, but due to pressure, we diverted funds,” he admitted.
The MPs also demanded an explanation for why over 32 activities worth Sh72.4 billion were not implemented during the reviewed year.
Musinguzi cited unforeseen outputs and pending budget approval as reasons.
Expansion Works
Entebbe Airport is undergoing a $325 million (Sh1.2 trillion) upgrade and expansion. Bamwesigye reported that phase one of the project, costing $200 million (Sh740 billion), is 90% complete.
Unveiled in January 2015, the project is part of a 20-year National Aviation Master Plan (2014-2033) aimed at enhancing passenger experience and reducing queue times.
“We hope to present an expanded terminal as a Christmas gift to the country. The new terminal will add 20,000 square meters, totalling 50,000 square meters, allowing us to accommodate 3.5 million passengers annually,” Bamwesigye promised.
He also highlighted impressive results from a recent International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) audit, noting a score of over 70% in the September 2023 safety audit.
Infrastructure Gaps
MPs, including Nakaseke Central MP Allan Mayanja, expressed concerns about infrastructure gaps. “Recent floods destroyed property, creating a negative image of our country. Can we address this?” Mayanja asked.
Mpindi-Bumali, an MP for People with Disabilities, added, “There is chaos when planes land, with long waits for luggage due to limited doors. Additionally, there are no lifts from the runway to immigration.”
In response, CAA Director of Aviation Safety, Eng. Ayub Sooma assured that a new lift would be installed within two months.
