KAMPALA, Uganda: Intensifying investigations have cast a spotlight on privately-owned aviation service providers in Uganda, as allegations of criminal negligence mount. Key players, including BAR Aviation and Ocean Heights, are under scrutiny for actions that have allegedly endangered passenger lives and breached airspace regulations.
Ocean Heights and Restricted Territory Violations
Ugandan-owned Ocean Heights is under investigation for a December 2023 incident involving a flight over a restricted area in Nakawuka. This territory houses government stores and sensitive personnel, making it strictly off-limits. Ocean Heights’ management claimed that a student was piloting the aircraft, but preliminary security investigations suggest this narrative is a cover-up. A security source indicated, “This gives us more reason to investigate why they are shielding the real person who was in control of the aircraft at the time.”
Restricted areas are established by aviation authorities, such as Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), for national security or safety purposes. Violations of these airspaces can trigger severe consequences due to their sensitive nature, as many host Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAMs) that protect against potential threats.
BAR Aviation’s Infractions
Israeli-owned BAR Aviation, led by Barrack Orland, is facing allegations of a graver breach – flying over State House, a strictly prohibited airspace. This incident occurred shortly after Uganda accused the United States of violating its airspace with a spy jet in September 2024. The Special Forces are now interrogating BAR Aviation officials to determine why they entered this restricted area and whether they declared their intentions to air traffic control as mandated.
The Rt. Hon. Tayebwa Crash-Landing Incident
The investigations extend to a high-profile crash-landing incident involving Uganda’s Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, on August 3rd 2024. Tayebwa was aboard a private Bell 206 Jet Ranger helicopter owned by BAR Aviation when the aircraft crash-landed at Nyakisharara Airfield. Reports initially suggested a cockpit fire caused the crash, but aviation experts suspect pilot fatigue played a significant role.
According to insiders, the pilot – allegedly Barrack Orland himself, with his son as co-pilot—was overworked and may not have been licensed for commercial flights. Eyewitnesses reported that the helicopter blades hit the ground due to poor judgment of the terrain, compounded by the pilot’s exhaustion from a long day of flying.
Despite the crash, Tayebwa assured the public via social media that all aboard were safe. He had attended multiple events that day, including a commissioning ceremony in Arua and a wedding in Bushenyi, before attempting the ill-fated nighttime flight back to Kampala. Aviation guidelines prohibit night flights without appropriate equipment, raising questions about why the flight proceeded.
Key Questions and Ongoing Investigations
Investigators are seeking answers to critical questions such as bellow;
- Did the pilot have the necessary certification for commercial passenger flights?
- Were the aircraft’s maintenance records up-to-date?
- Did Entebbe Air Traffic Control provide weather updates before the flight?
- Was the pilot licensed for Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC) flying?
Under Uganda’s Ministry of Works, Transport, and Communication, the UCAA is required to notify the public promptly about accidents, provide safety information, and conduct transparent investigations in compliance with international aviation standards. Concerns have arisen about whether these protocols were followed in the Tayebwa incident.
Aviation Safety Accountability
The ongoing investigations underscore the urgent need for stricter compliance and enforcement within Uganda’s aviation sector. High-profile incidents like these jeopardize public trust and highlight vulnerabilities in airspace management and operational oversight. With lives at stake and sensitive national security considerations, authorities must ensure accountability and implement safety measures to prevent future occurrences. As investigations proceed, Ugandans await answers and assurances that their aviation industry prioritizes safety and adheres to global best practices.
Author Profile
- Kiyimba Pius is a senior editor at The Investigator. He joined in 2018. His journalism background includes writing for both business and human rights. Connect with him by email: [email protected]
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