By David Mwanje
One month after launching its historic Entebbe–London Gatwick route, Uganda Airlines is riding a wave of success with steady passenger loads and impressive on-time performance. CEO Jenifer Bamuturaki’s bold vision to position the national carrier as a leading African airline is gaining momentum, fueled by strategic expansion plans and government support outlined in Uganda’s recent budget. “We’re opening up Uganda to the world,” Bamuturaki declared, emphasizing the airline’s role in boosting trade, tourism, and connectivity.
Inaugurated on May 18, 2025, the four-times-weekly Entebbe–London service, operated by the state-of-the-art Airbus A330-800neo, marks Uganda’s first direct link to Europe in nearly a decade. The route has already captured a significant share of the 5,000 monthly passengers traveling from Entebbe, with Bamuturaki estimating that 3,000 now choose Uganda Airlines over competitors. “Our duty is to stimulate more Ugandans to fly, cutting journey time,” she said, highlighting the airline’s competitive fares and seamless connectivity to 14 African destinations.
Bamuturaki’s ambition extends beyond international routes. “Soon, we’ll launch domestic flights to complete the whole ecosystem,” she announced, aiming to connect Entebbe with Uganda’s national parks and gorilla sanctuaries. This move promises to streamline tourism, allowing visitors to fly directly to attractions like Bwindi Impenetrable Forest without detours through regional hubs. The CEO’s rallying cry, “Fly Uganda Airlines. Don’t look at us as small,” resonates with loyal passengers who have stood by the airline despite occasional challenges.
Uganda’s 2025/26 budget, presented on June 12, underscores the government’s commitment to the aviation sector. The Ministry of Works and Transport received UGX 1.2 trillion, with funds earmarked for upgrading Entebbe International Airport to meet global standards and supporting Uganda Airlines’ fleet expansion. The Uganda Investment Authority (UIA) reported a 15% increase in tourism-related investments, driven by improved air connectivity. The Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities was allocated UGX 200 billion to promote Uganda as a premier destination, aligning with Bamuturaki’s vision of making the “Pearl of Africa” more accessible.
The Entebbe–London route has already boosted bilateral trade, valued at GBP 860 million in 2023, and serves over 200,000 Ugandans in the UK. “We are not flying to London for donations,” said Minister of Works and Transport Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala. “We are going to attract investors and showcase Uganda’s tourism potential.” The route’s success has also drawn praise from the Uganda Tourism Board, which anticipates a surge in British visitors exploring attractions like the source of the Nile and mountain gorillas.
Bamuturaki’s leadership focuses on efficiency and cost management to steer Uganda Airlines toward profitability by 2027. The airline’s revenue soared to UGX 319 billion in FY2024/25, a 54% increase, with plans to add four Airbus A320neos and Boeing 787 Dreamliners by 2030. “What it takes is having equipment, managing costs, and moving to break even,” she said, confident that Uganda Airlines will soon rival Africa’s “big boys.”
The carrier’s market share at Entebbe has climbed from 4% to 24% in five years, reflecting its growing dominance. Industry analysts noted that Uganda Airlines’ direct London service challenges competitors like Kenyan Airways and Ethiopian Airlines, which rely on connecting traffic through Nairobi and Addis Ababa.
As Uganda Airlines celebrates this milestone, Bamuturaki honored loyal passengers: “Those who fly with us, even when we face challenges, we honor.” With domestic flights on the horizon and government backing, the airline is poised to transform Uganda’s aviation landscape, opening new skies for trade, tourism, and national pride.
