13 UCAA Officials Remanded Over Shs3.7 Billion Entebbe Airport Vandalism

Thirteen officials and technical staff of the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) have been remanded to Kigo Prison over alleged vandalism, negligence and security breaches at Entebbe International Airport, with the damage estimated at Shs3.7 billion.
The suspects appeared before Entebbe Chief Magistrate Stella Maris Amabilis, who ordered their remand until November 18, 2026, when court is expected to consider their bail applications.
All 13 denied the charges.
Prosecutors opposed their release on bail, arguing that several other people suspected of involvement in the alleged offences were still at large and that releasing the accused could interfere with ongoing investigations.
Those remanded include Dr James Mubiru, the UCAA Manager of IT; Doreen Atukwase, Principal Systems Support Officer; Richard Mulenzi, Senior Systems Officer; Engineer Geoffrey Wanyama, Manager of Aerodrome Maintenance; and Chief Engineer Herbert Ngobi.
Others are Moonlight Bridget, Denis Musoke, Stephen Omeda, Kenneth Kasumba, Ronald Semaganda and Godfrey Kyagondeze, alongside two other accused persons.
The case follows concerns over repeated interference with critical infrastructure at Uganda’s main international airport.
Works and Transport Minister Fred Byamukama ordered a crackdown after inspecting damaged airport facilities on November 5. The reported incidents involved electrical installations, runway approach lighting systems, copper cables, cargo centre lighting and information technology equipment.
Authorities estimate that the damage caused by the incidents amounts to Shs3.7 billion, while the cost of restoring interconnected systems could reach Shs23 billion.
The government has reportedly secured about Shs6 billion for the repairs, which are expected to take approximately two months.
Among the allegations is a failure to adequately secure the airport’s server room, reportedly allowing an unauthorised individual to gain access in January 2026. The incident allegedly resulted in the temporary disruption of check-in counters and flight information displays.
Other allegations concern the theft and interference with electrical materials, including copper cables connected to critical runway approach lighting systems.
Minister Byamukama has previously suggested that some of the incidents could have involved collaboration between airport employees and outsiders. He has also pointed to possible involvement of former officials as investigations into the broader security failures at UCAA continue.
The prosecution’s case is expected to shed further light on how the alleged breaches occurred and whether individuals entrusted with protecting the airport’s infrastructure were involved.
Investigations remain ongoing, with authorities indicating that additional arrests could follow.
The case has raised fresh concerns about the protection of critical infrastructure at Entebbe International Airport, Uganda’s principal gateway for international air travel.