We have noted various trending social media videos highlighting cases of alleged extortion of money from passengers through Entebbe International Airport. Uganda Civil Aviation Authority does not in any way condone such acts and where such incidents have happened, it is highly regrettable and unacceptable.
It is important for the public to know that while UCAA facilitates operations at Entebbe International Airport, this is done in liaison with several independent providers of key services, including, but not limited to Immigration, handling agents (NAS and DAS), airlines, Ministry of Health through port health, Security agencies, URA customs, and Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development (Labour externalization agents), among others.
Nevertheless, we would like to assure the public that previously reported cases with specific details have been thoroughly investigated and where staff of various agencies operating at the airport were found culpable, serious disciplinary action was taken, including termination of contracts and withdrawal of airport access passes from them, among others. We would like to reiterate our commitment to continue engaging all the airport service providers to take tough action on anyone found culpable of this vice, and also ensure that complaints are duly addressed to the satistafction of the airport users.
Unfortunately, none of the regurgitated trending videos specifically states a particular check point, time, day and flight details of when the alleged extortion may have taken place. This would help the investigations. We are contacting the parties in the tik-tok videos to share with us information that can guide us to take quick action. In the past, we have investigated similar generalised claims made on Tik-tok, but unfortunately no specific information was established to corroborate the claims.
The airport has cameras placed in strategic places for security reasons and to enable UCAA address such issues when they occur.
The Authority urges the travelling public not to be compelled or lured into paying money to any staff they interface with (from whichever agency) in the course of travel through Entebbe International Airport. Please immediately report any case(s) of extortion in exchange for favors, including cases where the passenger has already left the airport. Please contact the following senior officials for immediate assistance.
General Manager, Entebbe International Airport – 0702-055158
Manager Aviation Security – 0701488366
Manager Operations – 0758483681
Chief Liaison Officer Airports – 0701477049
Email : aviation@caa.co.ug
Whatsapp: +256 757 269670
Twitter: @UgandaCAA
The public is also reminded that any inappropriate financial dealings with any person within the airport (such as exchange of money for favours) is illegal and criminal. Whoever may be found promoting it (passenger or employee ) is liable to be charged for abetting commission of a crime.
We shall continue to take action, but we need the public to cooperate with us by sharing specific timely information for action.
MANAGEMENT