Members of Parliament on the Commissions, Statutory and State Enterprises Committee (COSASE) have realised in a report by the Auditor General, John Muwanga, that Uganda’s national carrier is registering losses amounting to UGX164 billion as of the Financial Year 2020/2021.

The committee chaired by the Nakawa West MP Joel Ssenyonyi, met with officials from Uganda Airlines on Tuesday and was astonished to learn that the salary structure for staff was outrageous despite the losses.

The officials from the Uganda Airlines led by the CEO Jennifer Bamuturaki were questioned about the disparities in the salaries of staff.

It was established that besides the salary structure being uneven among employees at the same level, the monies paid to workers are enormous. 

According monthly salary records presented before the committee, the CEO earns 87 million, Chief Financial Officer gets UGX73 million, Manager Finance earns UGX58 million while the Director Maintenance takes home UGX80 million. Others are; Manager IT – UGX36 million, Human Resource Manager – UGX43 million, Manager Cargo – UGX14 million and Quality Assistant. – UGX43 million.

The committee was also concerned as to why a section of pilots earn UGX60 million while their colleagues at the same level are earning only UGX50 million. Also, it was established that some Cabin Crew members earn UGX4 million while others earn UGX2 million.

The CEO Bamuturaki, acknowledged the disparities and huge pay checks but also noted that the Airbus has a different pay structure from the CRJ Bombardier. She further explained that they are currently reviewing these salaries.

Bamuturaki, also stated that she was not among the 40 Ugandans who applied for the job because she was appointed by the President moments before she applied.

She asked the committee to permit them more time to do consultations before Ssenyonyi tasked Uganda Airlines to come up with a staff structure within one month. He says this is how the Airlines will know who is needed and who is not.

The Airlines had asked for end of year to develop one.