The Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs clarified the expenditure of Shs400 million used to transport troops to Somalia and other destinations after Uganda Air Cargo’s planes were grounded.
Rosette Byengoma, the Permanent Secretary, informed the Committee on Defence and Internal Affairs that Uganda Air Cargo had been chartering flights, causing financial losses due to involving a third party. Byengoma urged for funds to repair the grounded aircraft.
Officials from the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs, led by Minister Jacob Oboth addressed issues raised by the committee regarding the Defence Ministerial Policy Statement for the financial year 2024/2025 during a meeting held on Tuesday, 26th March 2024. Committee Chairperson Wilson Kajwengye raised the concern.
General Manager of Uganda Air Cargo, Gen. Lakibus Lakara, stated that the aircraft were in poor condition and not operational. He proposed disposing of the existing aircraft due to the high cost of repairs.
Kajwengye noted that the disposal process lies with the Ministry of Defence, with Parliament overseeing compliance with regulations.
The Ministry of Defence requested Shs381 billion for aircraft procurement.
In December 2023, Cabinet revived the Uganda Air Cargo Corporation (UACC) Limited, an enterprise under the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), which had been inactive for nearly four years due to funding shortages. Currently, five aircraft are in possession, with three awaiting disposal and two undergoing repairs.
The Ministry of Defence is seeking a budget of Shs7.9 trillion for the 2024/2025 financial year to fulfill its duties. Minister Oboth revealed a substantial shortfall of Shs4 trillion between their allocated funds and required budget. Oboth appealed to the committee for assistance in mobilizing funds, citing various areas of underfunding, including wage enhancements, staff recruitment, pensions, medical expenses, fuel, soldier clothing, and travel expenses.