Top executives of Uganda Airlines have briefed the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, on the national carrier’s aggressive multi-year growth roadmap, detailing plans for long-haul route expansion, increased aircraft utilization, and the internalization of technical ground and maintenance operations.
The high-level engagement took place on Monday, August 24, 2026, at the Special Forces Command (SFC) headquarters in Entebbe. The airline’s delegation was headed by seasoned aviation executive and Acting Chief Executive Officer Girma Wake, accompanied by Chief Finance Officer Allan Joel Kyeyune, Acting Manager for HR & Administration Anne Apio, and Acting Chief Commercial Officer Shakila Lamar Rahim.
1. The Core Growth Pillars: Routes, Fleet, and Domestic Connectivity
During the briefing, management presented a multi-layered expansion model aimed at solidifying Entebbe International Airport’s position as a major regional transit and commercial hub.
Key Strategic Initiatives Outlined:
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Intercontinental & Regional Routes: Expanding direct scheduled passenger and cargo operations from Entebbe to high-demand commercial gateways across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
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Regional Network Consolidation: Capitalizing on recently announced direct services to key African hubs including Accra and Kigali, growing its current network of 17 destinations across 13 countries.
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Domestic Route Development: Launching feeder domestic flight networks to meet growing internal travel, business transit, and tourism mobility.
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Fleet Modernization: Integrating newly ordered aircraft—including four Boeing 737-8 MAX narrow-body jets and four Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners—to boost passenger capacity and non-stop operational reach.
Uganda Airlines Network & Fleet Expansion Snapshot:
├── Current Operational Footprint: 17 destinations across 13 countries
├── New Regional Additions: Direct routes to Accra (Ghana) & Kigali (Rwanda)
├── Strategic Fleet Order: 4x Boeing 737-8 MAX | 4x Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners
└── Strategic Focus Areas: Route optimization, cargo enhancement & domestic feeders
2. Bringing Technical & Ground Services In-House
To build institutional sustainability and curb foreign exchange expenditure, management highlighted ongoing efforts to internalize key technical services:
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In-House Maintenance (MRO): Developing localized engineering and technical maintenance capabilities to reduce reliance on third-party overseas service providers.
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Direct Ground Handling: Transitioning airport ramp and ground-handling logistics in-house to enhance flight turnaround efficiency, schedule reliability, and service quality.
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Capacity Building: Investing heavily in local aviation training to upskill Ugandan engineers, pilots, and operations personnel.
“Aircraft alone do not build a great airline. Great airlines are built by people. We are stabilising the present, investing in the future, and building an airline designed not only to fly farther, but to endure.”
— Girma Wake, Acting CEO, Uganda Airlines
3. Gen. Muhoozi Pledges State Backing for Carrier’s Growth
Commending the executive leadership for their strategic vision, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba pledged continued government support, noting that a competitive and financially resilient national carrier is vital to advancing Uganda’s geopolitical influence, regional trade integration, and tourism revenue.
The executive team noted that continued multi-stakeholder collaboration will be essential as Uganda Airlines rolls out the most extensive operational expansion in its history since its revival in 2019.
