Not Funny Mom! Shame as Uganda Airlines CEO Face Charges over Doing the `Nseenene Challenge` Aboard Bombardier

Recently, a video of Rogers Mubiru, a Kampala dweller serving grasshoppers (Nseenene) aboard Bombardier, went viral on social media. This was followed by serious criticism from the public, with even police picking interest in the matter. It also called for an apology from Mubiru, coupled with several clarifications and apologies from the Airline management.

Barely two months down the lane, another person took up the Challenge. And this is none other than the Ag. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jennifer Bamuturaki Musiime aka Jennifer Arnold Lenka who, on Thursday 9^thDecember 2021 aboard Uganda Airline Bombardier to Dubai, excitedly took it upon her self to appease passengers by personally serving them snacks, the Mubiru style. 

Just like in any other private company with hospitality touch, it feels good when the CEO personally serves their customers. It is simply customer care with a plus. And this is the feel some passengers got that afternoon when Jennifer, well dressed in the Hostesses` Uniform took to the aisle and started serving them. In a video clip in our possession, Jennifer is seen serving all customers the Mubiru style. 

However, those in the know inwardly sympathized with her since they truly knew what she was doing was contravening aviation rules and regulations and therefore, illegal. And by exercising this, the Airline boss, probably with not a single knowledge of the Air Crafts laws, was committing an offence that can have her deposited in prisons for a year. 

We have since gathered how the `Nseenene Challenge` has dragged Jennifer onto the wrong side of the law. A Ugandan tax payer, Ivan Kayuki has issued instructions to the fearless city lawyers of Lanes Advocates premised at BMK House in Kampala, accusing her of committing a grave offense that poses a health danger to the passengers` lives. 

“It true we have received instructions from Mr. Kayuki and indeed, we are proceeding with the same,” Counsel Mark Nowamaani confirmed to this website last night. According to Civil Aviation Authority laws, anyone without a Cabin Crew Medical (MCC) Certificate is not allowed to perform Cabin Crew members` duties. I have read the law and want Madam Jennifer to produce her CCM Certificate or face the law. As a Ugandan, I feel our Air Birds are being abused by whoever wishes,” Kayuki fumed. 

Simple research on aviation regulations indicates that however much one qualifies to be a Cabin Crew member, the determinant factor is a CCM Certificate. Upon fulfilling all other requirements, one is asked to complete a form prior to the medical, outlining any existing medical conditions like wearing glasses for eyesight, high blood pressure, epilepsy and a string of other health conditions. 

According to CAA Regulations, via Personnel Licensing Regulations 2020, Regulation 194; “A person shall not perform the duties of a Cabin Crew member unless she/he holds a CCM certificate rating for the specific aircraft, required knowledge for the aircraft type and operating position, a current Certificate class 2.”

Then in Reg. 194 (4), the law states the offense and penalty thus; “A person who contravenes Sub Reg 1 commits an offense and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding fifty currency points or imprisonment not exceeding twelve months. 

Kayuki also adds the Director of Flight Operations, Capt. Lukman Ndusa and the Ag. Director for Safety and Security, Stephen Wegoye on his sue list for negligence. He says the duo failed on their duties to stop Jennifer from committing the alleged offense.