HICGI News Agency

By Brenda Namugenyi

The Uganda civil aviation authority has launched investigations against staff of different agencies at the airport over claims of extortion.

The authority has issued new guidelines to workers including ban of mobile phones while on duty. The mobile phones were used to extort money through electronic money transfers from their targets.

The Aviation authority has also directed all staff to put on uniforms clearly stating their identities.

The internet in Uganda has for the last couple of days been awash by videos and complaints of extortion at Entebbe International Airport. Many of the victims are migrant workers exiting through the country’s only international airport.

The victims accuse the airport workers of asking exorbitant charges threatening to cancel passengers’ flights on claims of excess luggage, name errors or errors in their tickets.

In a statement issued by the Uganda civil aviation authority, Authorities said they don’t condone such cases.

“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 contract.” Reads the statement.

The victims have been asked to avail evidence pinning the aviation staff to help in further management of the crisis.