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The request was presented by Ruhinda South MP Donozio Kahonda during a Budget Committee session
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By Our Reporter
The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) is seeking an additional UGX 381 billion to recapitalize Uganda Air Cargo, enabling the entity to purchase new aircraft to replace outdated and damaged ones. The request was presented by Ruhinda South MP Donozio Kahonda during a Budget Committee session reviewing the 2025/26 Budget Framework Paper for the Ministry of Defence.
Dononzio Kahonda
Kahonda, representing Parliament’s Internal Affairs and Defence Committee, explained that Uganda Air Cargo has been struggling with operational setbacks, including grounded and damaged aircraft.
“Uganda Air Cargo was highly indebted. The two C-130 aircraft—one has been grounded for a long time, while the other, which was repaired last financial year, suffered engine damage when a bird struck it during flight. Repairs for the latter have not been completed,” Kahonda reported.
He also revealed that a smaller aircraft in Sudan has remained unrecovered due to its location in a conflict zone, with insurance claims to secure a replacement proving unsuccessful.
Air cargo at Entebbe
Cabinet approval for recapitalization
According to Kahonda, the Cabinet approved a recapitalization plan for Uganda Air Cargo, directing the purchase of new aircraft as the existing fleet has reached the end of its operational life.
“The manufacturers assessed the costs of repairing versus acquiring new aircraft and concluded that repair was not cost-effective given the aircraft’s limited remaining operational hours. They recommended acquiring new aircraft instead,” Kahonda noted.
Kateshumbwa calls for rationalization
Sheema Municipality MP Dickson Kateshumbwa questioned the viability of maintaining both Uganda Air Cargo and Uganda Airlines as separate entities. He proposed merging the two agencies to reduce costs and prevent taxpayer money from being spent on non-operational aircraft.
“This thing isn’t working; I recommend that we scrap it. The same applies to Police—Police has grounded aircraft, and we’re likely paying licenses for non-functioning planes. We need to rationalize. Either give these operations to Uganda Airlines or eliminate them and move forward,” Kateshumbwa argued.
Dickson Kateshumbwa
Broader concerns
Kateshumbwa’s remarks reflect broader concerns over the inefficiencies in government-funded entities, particularly in sectors requiring heavy investment like aviation. Critics argue that without proper management and rationalization, taxpayers will continue to bear the brunt of recurring financial demands for underperforming institutions.
The Budget Committee is expected to deliberate further on the recapitalization request as part of the broader review of the Defence Ministry’s budget.
Torch Media Africa
