By Ssenkayi Marvin Ezra
Parliament has approved a supplementary allocation of Shs422.26 billion to Uganda Airlines to support the national carrier’s planned fleet expansion for the 2025/2026 financial year. The funding forms part of a broader Shs1.696 trillion supplementary request for the Ministry of Works and Transport and is intended to facilitate the acquisition of new aircraft and stabilise operations as the airline prepares for long-haul and cargo services.
According to the Ministry of Finance, the allocation will cover pre-delivery payments for two Boeing 787 Dreamliners, one Boeing freighter, and two mid-range Airbus aircraft, as well as related bridge-leasing arrangements. The approval represents one of the largest investments in Uganda Airlines since its revival in 2019.
Uganda Airlines currently operates a fleet of seven aircraft, including two Airbus A330-800neo wide-body jets and four Bombardier CRJ-900LR regional jets, complemented by a short-term wet-leased Airbus A320-200 to meet operational demand. The planned acquisitions are expected to strengthen capacity on high-traffic regional routes, unlock long-haul operations to strategic destinations including China, boost cargo handling with the dedicated Boeing freighter, and reduce disruptions caused by a small and overstretched fleet.
Transport Minister Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala told Parliament that Uganda Airlines currently handles up to 40% of passenger traffic through Entebbe International Airport, despite operating with limited equipment. He said the fleet expansion is critical to stabilising schedules, improving service delivery, and meeting growing passenger and cargo demand.
While Parliament approved the allocation, several MPs stressed the need for enhanced transparency and planning in the procurement process. Kira Municipality MP Ibrahim Ssemujju called for a detailed fleet acquisition plan, citing past procurement challenges, including issues with the Bombardier CRJ900s. Leader of Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi questioned the use of supplementary budgets for foreseeable expenses, arguing that such requests should be reserved for urgent or unavoidable needs. Other MPs expressed concern over operational disruptions, including flight delays and cancellations. In response, Uganda Airlines CEO Jennifer Bamuturaki noted that recent delays were largely due to temporary airport closures in the region, including Juba, Dar es Salaam, Entebbe, and Bujumbura.
Government officials defended the supplementary allocation, noting that investments in Uganda Airlines are part of a broader aviation and transport strategy aimed at positioning Uganda as a regional hub for travel, trade, tourism, and cargo. Minister Katumba reiterated the strategic importance of the airline, explaining that the aircraft purchases form part of a long-term fleet plan for ten aircraft, including mid-range Airbus jets, wide-body Boeing aircraft, and Boeing freighters for cargo operations. The supplementary funding will support phased pre-delivery payments of Shs522.264 billion, ensuring Uganda Airlines remains on track with future deliveries.
The approval comes as Uganda intensifies efforts to enhance connectivity and become a competitive aviation hub. Uganda Airlines currently serves over 17 regional and international destinations, including Nairobi, Johannesburg, Kinshasa, Harare, Abuja, Dubai, and London. The expanded fleet will improve route reliability, accommodate growing passenger numbers, support tourism and business travel, and strengthen cargo transport, particularly benefiting exporters.
The fleet expansion is a major milestone in Uganda’s aviation strategy and broader economic agenda. With the global aviation sector recovering and regional travel on the rise, the strengthened capacity of Uganda Airlines is expected to support tourism, trade, and international connectivity. Government officials emphasise that the investment is a long-term commitment to the national carrier, aimed at expanding revenue opportunities and positioning Uganda as a key player in the region’s aviation industry.