Uganda Airlines has written to Wavah Water, expressing alarm over what it described as a “very serious and unacceptable” food safety incident involving bottled water served on one of its flights.
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In an August 21 email addressed to Ms Charlotte Mayanja Kakooza, the Wavah Water manager for sales and client relations, Mr Dominic Mascarenhas, Uganda Airlines’ manager for in-flight product and catering, reported that a crew member had discovered a roach stuck on the inside of a cap of a 1.5-litre bottle of Wavah Water.
The contaminated bottle was reportedly removed and replaced before being served to passengers. However, the airline warned that the incident amounted to a breach of food safety standards with potential regulatory and operational implications.
“This incident is deeply concerning for several reasons: breach of food safety standards, risk to guests if served, operational and regulatory implications. We require an urgent and formal response … of how such contamination occurred, and assurance of corrective measures … to prevent recurrence,” Mr Mascarenhas wrote.
The airline further sought confirmation on whether there was a need to recall or quarantine stock from the affected batch and demanded a clear corrective action plan, including preventive controls, enhanced sanitation, and stricter quality checks.
“Given the gravity of this incident, I must stress that Uganda Airlines will not tolerate repeated lapses in food safety … this issue jeopardises passenger safety, brand integrity and our regulatory obligations,” the email added.
Contacted for comment, Ms Kakooza declined to respond, while Mr Elvis Wavamuno, the executive director of Spear Group—Wavah’s parent company—said he would first consult his general manager before giving an official position.
On her part, Ms Shakila Rahim Lamar, Uganda Airlines’ head of public relations and corporate affairs, confirmed the incident, noting that it was the first of its kind.
“Given the many parties and processes involved, we approached the matter with expediency and seriousness,” she said. “We engaged the supplier, who conducted laboratory testing and shared their production processes with us, which were found satisfactory. Should a similar incident ever recur, Uganda Airlines will review and, if necessary, explore alternative sourcing options to safeguard passenger safety and confidence.”
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