Uganda Airlines sets sights on Asia, Europe, Middle East in global expansion drive

ENTEBBE, Uganda — Uganda Airlines is preparing to expand its international network and strengthen its domestic operations as the national carrier seeks to improve efficiency and build a more commercially sustainable business.
The airline’s executive leadership team, led by Acting Chief Executive Officer Girma Wake, presented the carrier’s strategic growth plan to Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, at the Special Forces Command headquarters in Entebbe.
The briefing comes as Uganda Airlines undergoes structural changes aimed at strengthening corporate governance, stabilising daily operations and laying the foundations for long-term growth.
The management team said the airline’s immediate priority is to maximise the performance of its existing fleet while expanding flights from its Entebbe hub to key markets in Asia, Europe, the Middle East and across Africa.
The carrier also plans to introduce domestic services to improve connectivity within Uganda and meet growing demand for air travel between the country’s major destinations.
Cutting costs, building local capacity
Uganda Airlines also intends to reduce its reliance on external service providers by bringing more aircraft maintenance and ground-handling operations in-house.
The strategy is expected to lower operating costs while creating opportunities to develop a larger pool of Ugandan aviation professionals.
Management said investment in training will be central to the plan, with the airline seeking to build local technical and operational expertise capable of supporting its expanding fleet and network.
The executives stressed that sustained government and industry support would be essential to implementing the strategy and ensuring the national carrier becomes commercially stronger.
Gen. Kainerugaba welcomed the progress outlined by the airline’s leadership and pledged his support for the carrier’s development.
He said a strong national airline could play an important role in Uganda’s wider economic ambitions, particularly by facilitating trade, strengthening regional integration and improving international connectivity.
The meeting was also attended by Uganda Airlines Chief Finance Officer Allan Joel Kyeyune, Acting Manager for Human Resource and Administration Anne Apio, and Acting Chief Commercial Officer Shakila Lamar Rahim.