How Uganda Airlines revived its national flag carrier with a fleet of six jets
In short: After a hiatus of nearly two decades, Uganda Airlines returned to the skies in 2019. Owned by the state, the carrier has navigated a complex path of rapid fleet expansion, international partnerships, and internal restructuring, all while working to overcome significant financial hurdles in its quest for regional and global connectivity.
The modern Uganda Airlines, legally known as the Uganda National Airlines Company, represents a revival of the original carrier that operated from 1977 until 2001. Following extensive government consultations, the state opted to relaunch the airline with an initial investment of approximately US$70 million in equity and US$330 million in loans. The fleet was built around six new aircraft: four CRJ900 regional jets and two wide-body, long-range A330-800 planes. Operations officially commenced on 28 August 2019 with a flight from Entebbe to Nairobi.
The airline’s growth strategy has relied heavily on strategic alliances and operational independence. To support its A330-800 engines, the company signed a maintenance agreement with Rolls-Royce under the TotalCare program. Furthermore, the airline has pursued interline agreements with carriers such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Air India. In a move to reduce operational costs, the airline transitioned to self-ground handling at Entebbe International Airport in November 2022, a shift expected to save US$250,000 monthly by utilizing equipment valued at over US$3 million.
Despite these efforts, the airline has faced persistent financial challenges, recording losses every year since its inception. In its first five years, the carrier incurred losses exceeding 1 trillion USh, or approximately US$300 million. While the Office of the Auditor General noted a 26 percent reduction in financial losses as of January 2025 compared to the previous year, the company continues to face difficulties in meeting short-term financial obligations. Governance has also been a point of friction; in 2021, the entire board of directors was suspended amid allegations of mismanagement, leading to a complete leadership overhaul in 2022.
The airline’s network has expanded significantly, reaching destinations across Africa and, as of May 2025, London Gatwick. As a state-owned parastatal, its performance remains subject to annual public audits. The carrier continues to pursue growth, with plans to add services to cities like Accra and Kigali, while maintaining rigorous safety certifications, including those from the ICAO and the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Uganda Airlines
- Also: Wikidata — Uganda Airlines · CC0
- Also: Wikidata — Uganda Airlines · CC0
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