The Ministry of Works and Transport has requested a supplementary budget of Shs422.264 billion as part of the initial payment for 10 new aircraft for Uganda Airlines, raising concerns among lawmakers over the airline’s management, operational delays, and planning.

The request was presented on Monday by Transport Minister Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala before Parliament’s Budget Committee. He explained that the aircraft acquisition would include four mid-range Airbus models, four wide-body Boeings, and two Boeing freighters for cargo. “The supplementary budget is to cater for the projected initial requirements for the aircraft purchase for this financial year 2025/2026,” Gen. Katumba said.

Some MPs questioned the use of a supplementary budget, typically meant for emergencies or unforeseen expenditures, for routine investment. Bugabula North MP Maurice Kibalya suggested a phased acquisition strategy, proposing, “Let’s purchase three in the first one or two years, add another three later, then four.” He also highlighted management issues: “People have developed a love for Uganda Airlines… but the management is not answering the love and the wishes. General Wamala, you are a respected General — fix Uganda Airlines.”

Gen. Katumba acknowledged that Uganda Airlines is overstretched but defended the expansion plan. “Uganda Airlines manages 38–40% of the traffic through Entebbe. With the aircraft we have, we are overstretched. That’s why sometimes they have to wait for an aircraft coming from another route to land, be worked on and then go to another route,” he said.

CEO Jenifer Bamuturaki attributed recent flight delays and cancellations to abrupt airport closure notices, known as “no-terms,” issued regionally. “These delays and cancellations are coming over a cocktail of a few things,” she said. “When you’re given a no-term, you have to change your schedules, and that causes a delay. For the last three weeks, we have been seeing no-terms in Entebbe, in Bujumbura, in Juba, in Dar es Salaam.”

Mityana North MP Kibedi Nsegumire backed fleet expansion but warned of eroding customer confidence. “We are buying aircrafts but losing customers. People complain of delays of two to four hours,” he said.

Uganda Airlines aims to expand into long-haul and regional routes. Parliamentary scrutiny will continue before the supplementary budget is forwarded for full House approval.