Proceedings at the Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE) took a tense turn today after Uganda Airlines Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Jennifer Bamuturaki, was asked to account for $12,750 (approximately UGX 50 million) in per diem funds requisitioned during her tenure as Acting CEO in June last year.
During the session, it emerged that the funds were approved to facilitate official travel to several countries. However, committee records and Ms. Bamuturaki’s own admission indicate that the planned trips did not take place, raising questions about why the money was neither utilized nor refunded to the government.
While responding to the committee, Ms. Bamuturaki acknowledged that the travel did not occur but maintained that the matter was handled within internal administrative processes at the airline. Her explanation, however, did little to settle concerns from COSASE members, who emphasized that public funds must be fully accounted for regardless of internal arrangements.
Committee members noted that per diem allocations are strictly tied to actual travel and activities undertaken, and failure to refund unutilized funds amounts to financial impropriety under public finance regulations.
“This committee is not interested in internal justifications that contradict the law,” one member stated, insisting that accountability for public resources is non-negotiable.
COSASE directed Uganda Airlines management to submit written documentation clarifying the status of the funds, including whether any refund was ever initiated and under whose authority the money was retained.
The committee further warned that failure to provide a satisfactory explanation could attract recommendations for recovery and possible sanctions, as COSASE continues its broader mandate to ensure transparency and accountability in state-owned enterprises.
The inquiry into Uganda Airlines is ongoing.
