Uganda Airlines is celebrating a major milestone – five years of operations. Since its first commercial flight to Nairobi in 2019, the national carrier has expanded its route network to 16 destinations, with plans to reach 20 by July 2025.
“We are proud of our contribution thus far. We are not just providing connectivity but also expanding opportunities for business, investment, and leisure travel,” said Jenifer Bamuturaki, the chief executive officer of Uganda Airlines.
The airline has achieved significant growth, with passenger numbers exceeding one million over the past five years. It has also created over 600 direct jobs and 15,840 indirect ones, contributing to the country’s economic development.
“Our growth has been two-dimensional. Besides route expansion, there has also been frequency growth on individual routes, increasing choice and flexibility for our customers,” Ms. Bamuturaki added.
Despite facing challenges such as high operating costs, maintenance, and regulatory hurdles, the airline remains committed to delivering quality service and expanding its operations.
“Despite a challenging environment beset by severe disruption, we look back at the past five years with pride. As we embark on the next five years, we step out with confidence and pledge to deliver the best service to our customers across the customer journey,” Ms. Bamuturaki said.
Shakila Rahim Lamar, the head of public relations and corporate affairs of Uganda Airlines, highlighted some of the challenges the airline has faced, including high costs, stringent regulatory regimes, and the need to hire expatriates to fill skill gaps.
“Uganda has not had an airline for over 20 years, there is a need to hire expatriates to fill gaps where nationals are not able to fill,” Ms. Lamar said.
However, the airline remains committed to working with local suppliers and supporting economic development.
“We are committed to working with you to expand the range of products that you can supply to us on competitive terms,” Ms. Bamuturaki said during the inaugural Uganda Airlines suppliers’ forum on June 26.
As Uganda Airlines looks to the future, it has plans to launch new routes to Accra, Riyadh, and the United Kingdom, further expanding its reach and connectivity in the region.
