Photo Credit: @Digitaldidan
First established in May 1976 as a subsidiary of the government under the Uganda Development Corporation the national flag carrier (Uganda Air) replaced the East African
Airways Corporation (EAAC) which was dissolved in 1977 amid deteriorated relations among the three countries (Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda).
In May 2001, Uganda Airlines and its assets were liquidated due to its delicate cash position.
After a long time of struggling to privatize the debt-ridden airline and as all interested
potential bidders pulled out of business, the neighbouring states gained dominance to the
skies and operation of state-owned carrier aircraft with unreasonable high tariffs and unfair
services became inevitable.
Article 89 of the EAC treaty signals the partner states to evolve and expand the existing
transport and communication links and establish new ones backing-up the position of the EAC transport strategy and road sector development program of 2010-2020.
The strategic goal of reviving the national airline is to enhance competitiveness and effective participation in regional and global value chains. Entebbe and Nakasongola Airports are undergoing development to fit the A-class standard international airports, and 10 airfields are being improved as a matter of urgency.
The four white Canadian Bombardiers CRJ- 900 jetliners are expected to upturn connectivity
to various destinations in the EAC as the nation waits to receive two European Airbus A330-
800neo aircraft to serve longer routes.
ICAO long-term air traffic forecasts that the 4.1 billion airline passengers carried in 2017 are
expected to grow to about 10.0 billion by 2040, and the number of departures is also
projected to rise to 90 million in 2040. It is, therefore, an indicator that the increasing pace
of aircraft strong traffic growth and projections is going to help Uganda to attain the vision
2040 goals.
Airport Council International report on the World Air Traffic statistics of 2017 (WATR) also
predicts a robust demand for air transport in Africa for air cargo as +1.3% (2.1million) of +4%
(1103 million metric tons) and chances are high for Uganda Airlines cargo services to gain
popularity when it finally procures a fleet of cargo aircraft.
Airfreight comes with a great advantage of the speed in delivery which increases the volume
of freight loaded and unloaded per year. This will as well boost the country’s business
environment, revenue and; also reduce congestion at other ports during the shipment of goods.
The presence of the numerous local flight schedules which have created access to various
destinations of the country has escalated chances for tourist clientele to explore the
wonderful geographical nature and historical sites without difficulty from poor road networks
that connect to various tourism niches.
To attain economic growth the transport infrastructure should be a priority in the
government’s investment plans and public-private partnerships should be welcomed.
