A shocking discovery has rattled Entebbe International Airport as an unidentified man’s burnt body was found on the runway. The body, discovered on the morning of February 6, 2026, has raised serious questions about the airport’s security measures, especially considering the hefty security fees collected from passengers. Authorities suspect that the man may have trespassed into the restricted airside zone during the night and could have been struck by a departing or landing aircraft.
Incident Overview
According to a police report, the body was detected by control tower officers at approximately 0500 hours. Preliminary investigations suggest that the man, who was without identification, suffered fresh burn wounds to his face and stomach. Officials believe he may have been dragged by the force of an aircraft, though this is still under investigation. The body was promptly transferred to Mulago National Referral Hospital for a postmortem examination, while security teams intensified their search for any potential breaches in the airport’s perimeter security.
Security Concerns
Entebbe International Airport, Uganda’s primary international gateway, has experienced sporadic security concerns in recent years. The airport, which handles millions of passengers annually, collects an aviation security fee of about $65 (Shs240,000–Shs245,000) from each departing international passenger’s ticket. Despite this, there have been incidents of unauthorized access to restricted areas, and this latest incident is expected to bring more scrutiny to the efficiency of the security measures in place.
Investigation and Response
Aviation police have launched an inquiry into how the individual managed to breach the secured airside area. As investigations unfold, questions have been raised about whether the security funds are being effectively utilized to ensure the safety of both passengers and airport personnel. The incident has also sparked concerns from lawmakers and regulators about the growing risks at the airport, especially as passenger traffic continues to rise.
The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has not yet released an official statement, but the investigation is expected to focus on the circumstances surrounding the man’s entry into the airside zone, as well as any potential security lapses that may have occurred.
Ongoing Investigation
As the inquiry into the February 6th incident continues, there will be heightened calls for improved security measures at Entebbe International Airport. While modernization projects funded by loans from China are already underway, this latest incident may accelerate efforts to strengthen security infrastructure, particularly in the airport’s perimeter and surveillance systems.
The outcome of the investigation will likely shape future security protocols, not only at Entebbe but also at other regional airports in East Africa.