By Dean Lubowa Saava
TV10Ganomazima Investigative Desk
A fresh controversy is brewing at the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), where a Shs9 billion medical insurance deal has sparked outrage among staff. This scandal comes hot on the heels of President Yoweri Museveni’s directive to fire 152 employees over irregular recruitment.
The Investigative desk of TV10ganomazima, got information that insiders claim the insurance scheme, worth billions, is a case of blatant corruption, with top officials allegedly working in cahoots to inflate costs. The staff are up in arms, questioning the sudden jump from Shs5 billion to Shs9 billion, and suspecting foul play. With tensions running high, the UCAA’s future hangs in the balance.
A shocking controversy is unfolding at the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), where a proposed medical insurance scheme has sparked intense resistance among staff. Insiders claim the plan, which would replace the current internal medical scheme with an expensive external insurance model, is not only costly but also impractical for the high-stakes aviation industry.
Under the current internal Patient Treatment Order (PTO) system, staff receive medical attention swiftly and reliably, with costs well-contained at Shs5 billion annually. The PTO caters to both inpatient and outpatient medical needs and has proven effective in the high-pressure aviation industry where urgency cannot be compromised.
However, the new insurance arrangement, reportedly involving ICEA, Prudential, and Jubilee, is projected to cost a staggering Shs9 billion annually. Staff say the system introduces bureaucratic delays, verification hurdles, and poor responsiveness from hospitals—posing grave risks in a time-sensitive aviation environment.
“Aviation doesn’t wait. If a worker needs to call a hospital, and then the hospital calls the insurer before treatment, we are courting delays both on the ground and in the air,” a senior UCAA staff member told TV10ganomazima, under anonymity.
Staff further question the sudden budget leap from Shs5 billion to Shs9 billion, alleging kickbacks and insider corruption are driving the inflated costs. “Why double the cost if not for someone’s gain? We suspect people high up are already beneficiaries,” another insider said.
Attempts by staff unions to propose running both systems concurrently, giving employees freedom of choice, were dismissed outright. Insiders claim the Board has threatened dissenters, warning they would be “dealt with.”
Corruption allegations emerge, with sources alleging that the Board has already quietly awarded the contract to a preferred insurer, with accusations of kickbacks exchanged to secure the deal.
TV10ganomazima, has learned that details of these alleged financial improprieties will emerge in subsequent reports. Following President Museveni’s directive to clean up UCAA, multiple department heads who raised concerns about the scheme have been targeted and dismissed.
“They are abusing the President’s letter to purge anyone questioning the insurance scandal and other dubious projects,” a source revealed.
The atmosphere at UCAA remains tense, with staffers increasingly reluctant to speak on record for fear of reprisals. “The turbulence at UCAA is unbearable.
Yesterday, it was the 152 sacked; tomorrow, it’s those who ask tough questions,” another staffer said. Sources indicate sharp divisions have emerged within top management, but that, according to insiders, is a story for another day. UCAA is yet to issue an official statement on these reports by press time.
