KAMPALA, Uganda | The Industrial Court has awarded Shs 1 billion to Dr. Rama Makuza, former Managing Director of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), following what the court deemed an unjustified termination of his contract in 2017. This outcome marks the end of a protracted legal dispute, one that has cast a long shadow over Makuza’s otherwise respected 26-year career with the CAA.

Dr. Wenceslaus Rama Makuza, who served as Managing Director of Uganda’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) from 2008, was dismissed in March 2017. This termination followed a performance appraisal conducted by the CAA Board and the Ministry of Works and Transport, which found his performance lacking. The Ministry publicly stated that the decision was made in the “interest of both the CAA and the country.” His dismissal marked the end of a two-decade-long career in Uganda’s aviation sector, where he had risen through various ranks to head the organization.

Under Dr. Makuza’s leadership, the CAA faced significant operational and management challenges, especially at Entebbe International Airport. Allegations surfaced around mismanagement, delays in infrastructure projects, poor hygiene standards, and even smuggling activities within the airport. These issues generated public concern over the state of Uganda’s primary aviation hub and the effectiveness of the CAA’s administration at the time.

Post-dismissal, Dr. Makuza became the subject of an Inspectorate of Government (IGG) investigation following accusations of corruption and mismanagement. However, in July 2019, the IGG cleared Dr. Makuza of all allegations, declaring the claims against him unsubstantiated. This development brought an important perspective to the events leading to his dismissal, suggesting that while there were issues within the organization, direct culpability on his part was not established.

The Industrial Court awarded Makuza Shs 625 million in general damages, Shs 170 million in aggravated damages, and Shs 300 million for defamation, totaling over Shs 1 billion. The court’s ruling emphasized the critical importance of due process in employment matters, particularly for public figures whose reputations are deeply affected by such allegations. This judgment acknowledges the enduring hardship Makuza faced following his dismissal and the profound impact it had on his career and personal life.