Uganda Airlines is seeking to strengthen its operations, widen its international network and build greater in-house capacity as the national carrier works toward long-term commercial growth.

The airline’s executive leadership, led by Acting Chief Executive Officer Girma Wake, presented its strategic growth plans to Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba during a meeting at the Special Forces Command Headquarters in Entebbe on Monday.

The delegation included Chief Finance Officer Allan Joel Kyeyune, Acting Manager for Human Resource and Administration Anne Apio, and Acting Chief Commercial Officer Shakila Lamar Rahim.

The engagement comes as Uganda Airlines undergoes structural changes aimed at improving corporate governance, stabilizing day-to-day operations and creating a stronger foundation for future growth.

Uganda Airlines Plans Wider Route Network

Among the priorities presented by management is improving the utilization and performance of the airline’s existing fleet while expanding services from Entebbe.

The carrier plans to pursue additional international connections to Asia, Europe and the Middle East, while also strengthening links with major African regional hubs.

Uganda Airlines is also looking at establishing domestic services to meet travel demand within Uganda and improve connectivity between the country’s different regions.

The expansion would build on the airline’s existing network and its role as Uganda’s national carrier.

From Regional Carrier to Long-Haul Operations

Uganda Airlines resumed commercial operations in August 2019, nearly two decades after the collapse of the country’s previous national airline.

The revived carrier initially focused on regional services using Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft before expanding its fleet and network. The introduction of Airbus A330-800neo aircraft subsequently enabled the airline to pursue longer-distance routes linking Entebbe with markets beyond Africa.

The carrier’s network has expanded to include destinations across Africa as well as international markets such as Dubai, Mumbai and London.

That expansion has positioned Entebbe as an increasingly important base for Uganda’s international air connectivity, while giving the national carrier a platform from which to pursue further growth.

Airline Targets In-House Services

Alongside route expansion, Uganda Airlines management is seeking to reduce operating costs and strengthen its technical capabilities by bringing more services under its direct control.

The airline plans to develop in-house aircraft maintenance and ground handling capabilities, reducing reliance on external providers while building expertise within the organization.

Training local aviation personnel is expected to form part of the strategy, helping Uganda develop a larger pool of skilled professionals to support the carrier’s operations.

Management said continued support from government and other industry stakeholders will be important as the airline implements the strategy.

Gen Kainerugaba Pledges Support

Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba commended the Uganda Airlines leadership for the progress outlined during the briefing and pledged his support for the carrier’s development plans.

He emphasized the importance of a strong national airline to Uganda’s wider economic ambitions, particularly in facilitating trade, strengthening regional integration and supporting economic activity.

For Uganda Airlines, the latest strategy represents an effort to move beyond simply expanding its route map and toward building stronger operational capacity at home.

The combination of improved fleet utilization, wider international and domestic connectivity, local aviation skills development and greater in-house operational capability is expected to form part of the carrier’s next phase of development.