Monday, July 7, 2025
UG Standard - Latest News
  • Home
  • News
    • DIPLOMACY
    • COURT
    • AFRICA
    • BOOK REVIEW
    • INTERVIEW:
    • National
    • Parliament
    • World
    • Regional
  • Business
    • AGRIBUSINESS
    • OIL & GAS
    • REAL ESTATE
    • TECH
    • INNOVATIONS
    • TELCOM
  • OpED
  • EDUCATION
  • INVESTIGATION
    • NATIONAL ARCHIVE
    • SPECIAL REPORT
    • ANALYSIS
  • FEATURES
    • SOCIETY
    • Community
    • Pictorial
    • PROFILES
    • Lifestyle
    • Health
    • ENVIRONMENT
  • Tours & Travel
    • Hotel & Hospitality
  • Sports
  • About Us
  • Login
UG Standard - Latest News
ADVERTISEMENT

Why Uganda wants to join the Single Africa Air Transport Market

by OUR REPORTER | UG STANDARD
30/04/2023
in News, Tours & Travel
Reading Time: 3 mins read
A A
0
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
Uganda has become a key player in African aviation. Its flag carrier has grown, adding 12 destinations in nine countries since 2019. Entebbe International, its main airport, is one of the busiest in the region. Joining its neighbors Kenya and Rwanda in SAATM would be monumental towards developing regional air travel.
Uganda has become a key player in African aviation. Its flag carrier has grown, adding 12 destinations in nine countries since 2019. Entebbe International, its main airport, is one of the busiest in the region. Joining its neighbors Kenya and Rwanda in SAATM would be monumental towards developing regional air travel.

Uganda has moved positively to join the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) following a stakeholder meeting organized by the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) in Kampala earlier this week.

For many years Uganda was doubtful about joining SAATM, but after lengthy deliberation, it may be ready to sign on to the project. To date, 34 out of 54 African nations have come onboard to open up Africa’s skies and promote the value of aviation throughout the continent. The 34 nations represent over 80% of the existing market in Africa.

Related posts

Rtd General Mugisha Muntu addressing the gathering at Uganda Law Society headquarters on Thursday.

Ugandans should take a lead role towards the country’s peaceful transition

04/07/2025
158
Hon. Haruna Kasolo (seated middle) with other individuals who accompanied him at NRM offices in Kyadondo on Thursday.

Minister Kasolo nominated for NRM Vice Chairperson, Buganda Region

03/07/2025
213
The accused persons in court today.

Vandalism of Electricity Equipments: 17 charged with terrorism

02/07/2025
196

Looming unemployment: Farmers, Residents in shock as NEMA boss orders the demolition of multi million chicken farm

30/06/2025
332

Advances to join SAATM

Following the stakeholder’s meeting, Uganda showed interest in signing on to the project by forming a committee involving players from different sectors. The committee will include the Ministry of Finance, Works and Transports, the Uganda Tourism Board, and private sector stakeholders.

During the meeting, the importance of the Single African Air Transport Market was discussed, citing the benefits an enhanced aviation market would bring to various sectors in the country. Pitching the idea to the nation, UCAA Deputy Director General Olive Birungi Lumonya said;

“Flying is efficient, quicker, and safer but is not utilized much as the other forms of travel. If this agreement is signed by Uganda, we will be joining the rest of Africa in reducing the cost of travel and increasing air traffic and business.”

In East Africa, Uganda and Tanzania are the only major aviation countries that have not signed on to the project. Before the pandemic, Ugandan authorities were focused on various domestic projects, which stopped them from signing onto SAATM.

The East Africans were in the process of reviving Uganda Airlines; hence they were worried about the competition a unified air transport market would bring on the flag carrier. Deputy Director General Lumonya added;

“Initially, Uganda did not sign the Solemn Declaration to join SAATM pending the establishment of mechanisms to give assurance to the revival of Uganda Airlines, which at that time had not commenced operations taking into consideration a highly competitive market resulting from the grant of unrestricted fifth freedom traffic rights to African Airlines.”

They were also developing Entebbe International Airport (EBB) into a major regional hub. With its domestic projects almost complete, and the African aviation market nearing pre-pandemic levels, Uganda may be ready to join SAATM.

The importance of Uganda joining SAATM

SAATM is a flagship project of the African Union to create a single unified air transport market in Africa. It will fast-track the development of civil aviation on the continent and act as an impetus to Africa’s economic integration agenda.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) fully supports the initiative and suggests that if 12 key African states opened their markets and increased connectivity, an extra 155,00 jobs and $1.3 billion in annual GDP would be created in those countries. Uganda is expected to benefit from up to 5,000 jobs and over 1.2 million in annual revenue.

Uganda has become a key player in African aviation. Its flag carrier has grown, adding 12 destinations in nine countries since 2019. Entebbe International, its main airport, is one of the busiest in the region. Joining its neighbors Kenya and Rwanda in SAATM would be monumental towards developing regional air travel.

World air travel has almost fully recovered from the pandemic. While Africa is leading in the recovery, East Africa has seen the most significant numbers compared to other African regions. This can be leveraged to develop fifth-freedom flights and reduce airfares across the continent.

Despite having about 18% of the world’s population, Africa contributes about 2% of global air travel. This is because many states restrict their air service markets to protect their national carriers, and for that reason, many countries have not signed on to the open skies initiative.

Most states have realized the adverse effects of these restrictions. A major aviation country like Uganda joining SAATM will be a big step towards having more signatories and open skies for Africa. This will reduce the incredibly high airfares and promote intra-Africa connectivity.

What do you think of Uganda joining SAATM? Will this happen anytime soon? Let us know in the comments!

Source: AirInsightGroup

Share this:

  • Share
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window) Telegram
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp

Like this:

Like Loading...

Related

Tags: Advances to join SAATMEntebbe International Airport (EBB)FeaturedSingle Africa Air Transport MarketSolemn Declaration to join SAATMThe importance of Uganda joining SAATMUganda Airlines

Related Posts

 Abbas urges U.S. to compel Israel to stop violations against Palestinians
News

 Abbas urges U.S. to compel Israel to stop violations against Palestinians

05/11/2022
0
305

Abbas urges U.S. to compel Israel to stop violations against Palestinians RAMALLAH, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas...

Read moreDetails
Equity ranked 4th strongest banking brand globally on brand strength, scoring 92.4 points out of 100

 Equity Bank Under Scrutiny for Alleged Role in UGX.3bn Fake Gold Scam

09/07/2024
618
Minister of Health Dr. Ruth Aceng and Permanent Secretary Dr. Diana Atwiine pay their respects at the burial of Dr. Joshua Musinguzi, a champion in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Uganda. Their presence honors his legacy and dedication to improving healthcare in Uganda.

 FULL LIST: Health Service Commission Shortlists Applicants for Key Roles

18/06/2025
1.1k
Kabuleta and other opposition politicians have teamed up to put an end to Museveni's leadership

 Kabuleta, other opposition politicians team up to put an end to Museveni’s leadership

27/02/2024
497
Load More

Popular Articles

  • Check out the top schools with pupils who scored 6 in 4 aggregates in the 2024 PLE results, as released by UNEB

    PLE 2024 Results: Top Schools with 6 in 4 Aggregates

    4368 shares
    Share 1747 Tweet 1092
  • How to Renew Your National ID Online: NIRA Pre-Registration Portal 2025 Guide

    3976 shares
    Share 1590 Tweet 994
  • NIRA unveils high-tech National ID, mass enrollment set to begin

    2664 shares
    Share 1066 Tweet 666
  • FULL LIST: Ministry of Education, NCDC publish self-study workbooks amid COVID-19 lockdown

    3323 shares
    Share 1348 Tweet 823
  • How to Check PLE Results 2024 on Phone, Online

    1784 shares
    Share 714 Tweet 446
  • PLE 2024 Results: UNEB Clarifies on Release Date

    1650 shares
    Share 660 Tweet 413
  • MPs clear govt to cancel 2020 academic year

    2796 shares
    Share 1150 Tweet 686

Recent Articles

Entebbe Airport Lounge Faces Public Backlash Over Design

07/07/2025
Dubai has become a magnet for people from all over the globe because of its high infrastructure level and fast-growing economy

Direct Flights and Easy Visa Process Simplify Dubai Travel for Ugandans

07/07/2025

Webb Ellis Cup Makes Historic First Visit to Uganda, Igniting Rugby Fever Ahead of Africa Cup

06/07/2025
Makerere University announces undergraduate admissions for the 2025-26 academic year. Learn about eligibility for A' Level leavers, application procedures, fees, and the May 20 deadline. Apply online.

High Court Nullifies Lecturer’s Reinstatement at Makerere

06/07/2025
Uganda's President Museveni, nominated for 2026, outlines a six-point agenda for his next term, prioritizing economic transformation, security, and infrastructure

Museveni unveils six-point plan for next term

06/07/2025
Ninety officers of the Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces (UPDF), including 10 women, gather for a group photo after successfully completing the Grade III Staff Course at the Junior Staff College in Jinja.

90 UPDF Officers Complete Junior Staff Course

06/07/2025

Stanbic Donates mama kits in run up to World Population Day

05/07/2025

Recent CommentsRecent Comments

  • The Journey of Ibrahim Traoré on How President Ibrahim Traoré’s ambitious vision is driving Burkina Faso’s economic growth push
  • Ugandan Scientists Finalists For European Inventors Prize — Press Uganda on Ugandan scientists finalists for European inventors prize
  • Government Pumps UGX1 Trillion Into UDB To Drive Industrialization, SME Growth — Press Uganda on Government pumps UGX1 Trillion into UDB to drive Industrialization, SME growth
  • PS Ggoobi Tips On Building USD 500b Economy — Press Uganda on PS Ggoobi tips on building USD 500b economy
  • Museveni Meets German Envoy Matthias Schauer After Subversion Claims — Press Uganda on Museveni meets German envoy Matthias Schauer after subversion claims

UG Standard - Latest News

UG Standard, published via www.ugstandard.com isa publication of Sahel Media Solutions Ltd, a professional Digital/New Media company in Uganda info@ugstandard.com

Follow us on social media:

Latest News

  • Entebbe Airport Lounge Faces Public Backlash Over Design
  • Direct Flights and Easy Visa Process Simplify Dubai Travel for Ugandans
  • Webb Ellis Cup Makes Historic First Visit to Uganda, Igniting Rugby Fever Ahead of Africa Cup
  • High Court Nullifies Lecturer’s Reinstatement at Makerere
  • Museveni unveils six-point plan for next term
  • 90 UPDF Officers Complete Junior Staff Course

OpED

HELLEN MASIKA: From Darkness to Solar Light in Kijumba 

Why de-register a Motor Vehicle in Uganda: and Consequences of Non-Compliance

Challenges of taxing law firms in Uganda

SHEILA ABOTH: Maternal healthcare must be everyone’s business because it takes a village

DARIUS NIWAHA KISHAHO: Securing Health After Retirement: Why a Post-Retirement Medical Cover is a Necessity, Not a Luxury

© 2024 Ugstandard - Latest News by Digital/New Media company.

Welcome Back!

Sign In with Facebook
OR

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
    • DIPLOMACY
    • COURT
    • AFRICA
    • BOOK REVIEW
    • INTERVIEW:
    • National
    • Parliament
    • World
    • Regional
  • Business
    • AGRIBUSINESS
    • OIL & GAS
    • REAL ESTATE
    • TECH
    • INNOVATIONS
    • TELCOM
  • OpED
  • EDUCATION
  • INVESTIGATION
    • NATIONAL ARCHIVE
    • SPECIAL REPORT
    • ANALYSIS
  • FEATURES
    • SOCIETY
    • Community
    • Pictorial
    • PROFILES
    • Lifestyle
    • Health
    • ENVIRONMENT
  • Tours & Travel
    • Hotel & Hospitality
  • Sports
  • About Us

© 2024 Ugstandard - Latest News by Digital/New Media company.

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.
%d