13 airport authority staff charged over neglect and wire theft
Court papers list far narrower charges than the minister's claims of terrorism and a Shs23 billion repair bill at Entebbe airport.
13 staff of the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority, among them the Chief Engineer, the IT Manager and the Aerodrome Maintenance Head, were brought before the Entebbe Chief Magistrate's Court on 9 November 2026 and denied all charges. They were remanded to Kigo Prison until 18 November. 12 face neglect of duty charges under the Penal Code, and four are accused under the Electricity Act of cutting or removing wires.
State Minister for Works and Transport Fred Byamukama had inspected damaged installations at Entebbe International Airport on 5 November, announced the arrests and said investigators were exploring terrorism charges. He put the repair bill at up to Shs23 billion. No terrorism counts appear on the charge sheet, according to local media accounts of the hearing.
Former Director of Airports and Aviation Security Ayub Sooma, whom the minister called a fugitive, retired from the authority on 17 July 2026. A CID letter dated 6 November invited him to an interview on 9 November about lapses between August and October 2026.
Why it mattersStaff at the authority now face criminal proceedings, and the minister's terrorism claim is not part of the case before the court.