A Rare Standard of Professionalism at Entebbe Airport
After forgetting his mobile phone in a security tray at the luggage scanner of Entebbe International Airport, I experienced an unexpected act of professionalism when an Aviation Security officer went out of his way to return it.
Dr Sam Akaki
Reading about the entrenched inefficiency and corruption that pervades both Uganda’s public and private sectors, a faint-hearted traveller might assume that passing through Entebbe International Airport is a reckless gamble.
After all, Uganda has witnessed high-profile financial scandals, such as Bank of Uganda and Finance Ministry officials reportedly diverting $6.134 million meant for international debt servicing into personal accounts in London and Japan.
Just last week, a Ugandan High Court judge, Lydia Mugambe, was convicted at Oxford Crown Court for conspiring with a Ugandan deputy high commissioner in a case involving UK immigration violations, exploitation, and witness intimidation.
It was against this backdrop that I once held a dim view of Uganda—until Friday, 14th March 2025, when an incident at Entebbe International Airport changed my perspective.
While browsing a duty-free shop in search of Kisubi tea leaves, a young man in an Aviation Security (AVSEC) uniform approached me, holding a phone in his hand. “Do you recognise this?” he asked.
It was mine.
My initial reaction was fear—was this a real or fake security officer? A criminal in uniform trying to blackmail me? But sensing my apprehension, he calmly reassured me:
“I am a member of the airport Aviation Security (AVSEC) team. You left your phone in one of the trays at the luggage scanner and forgot to pick it up. I traced you by calling one of your contacts, who confirmed you were travelling and described your appearance. That’s how I found you.”
I was overwhelmed with gratitude. Like most people today, my phone contained everything—personal and professional contacts, family photos, bank details, even my air ticket and boarding pass. Losing it would have been catastrophic.
From an airport security perspective, the implications were even more serious. A phone deliberately left behind could have been packed with explosives, capable of causing unspeakable destruction and reinforcing the perception that Uganda’s international gateway is unsafe.
Yet here stood an AVSEC officer so dedicated that he ensured my phone was safe before taking the time to find me and return it.
I did not offer him any cash—not least because, unlike many, he showed no indication, directly or indirectly, that he expected a “facilitation.” He also did not attempt to identify me by my name or speak to me in my assumed tribal language, as some Ugandans often do. Instead, he remained strictly professional.
This young man exemplifies the highest standards of integrity and service—qualities that make him a priceless asset to his employer and to Uganda. He is an ambassador who gives Uganda a good name and offers hope in a country where many see little to be hopeful for.
He deserves more than just praise. He should be promoted to a managerial role in charge of training junior staff. He should also be awarded a scholarship to pursue advanced studies in air transport security at an Ivy League or Russell Group university.
Every cent spent on his professional development would be a worthwhile investment in enhancing aviation security—one of the most vulnerable sectors targeted by international smugglers of arms, drugs, currency, and people.
Is anyone in Uganda Airlines, the Civil Aviation Authority, the Ministry of Transport, or the President’s Office paying attention?
Dr Sam Akaki is a Ugandan citizen
Adopted from: The Nile Post Match 16, 2025
