BOOST: Some of Uganda Airlines aircraft at Entebbe International Airport.

Uganda’s aviation sector put up a resilient fight in 2023, registering a goodly comeback from the pandemic fall, which saw the global aviation industry bleed profusely.

According to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the international aviation portal handled more than 1.9 million passengers in 2023, higher than the pre-pandemic level of 1.8 million. Vianney Luggya, the CAA publicist, told this publication that the resurgence in passenger numbers is expected to continue, bolstered by Uganda Airlines and the introduction of new operators like Sudan's BADR Airlines, which began operations in November 2023.

The airport currently hosts about 16 airlines, offering international scheduled passenger or combined passenger and cargo services, while four airlines are currently offering international scheduled cargo/freighter services. Furthermore, the number of licensed air operators in Uganda increased as well from 24 to 26, with more expected in the current year.

• “Traffic is also expected to be boosted by the coming on board of a new operator, BADR Airlines of the Sudan, which commenced operations to Entebbe with fifth 15 freedom traffic rights on November 6, 2023,” noted Luggya. Uganda Airlines, the airport’s flagship carrier, has played a key role in the buoyancy of Uganda’s aviation industry and that’s likely to get even better following an agreement with US aircraft maker Boeing.

Uganda Airlines currently operates two Airbus A330-800N widebodies and wet-leases one A320-200 from Global Aviation Operations on a six-month contract ending October 2024, while its regional fleet comprises three Bombardier CRJ900LRs.

However, in April this year, President Yoweri Museveni announced on X that a Boeing team led by its regional President Kujit Ghata-Aura had visited Uganda and met him at State House Entebbe to discuss plans to increase the Uganda Airlines fleet for both cargo and passenger aircraft. Following the visit, reports emerged that Uganda Airlines intends to add two cargo planes - a B737-800 and a B777, and two B787 passenger aircraft.

• Dennis Matanda, a Ugandan residing in the US, who is also the link between the Government and Boeing, emphasizes the strategic importance of partnering with the aircraft maker.

BUSY: Passengers inside the airport terminal.

GLOBAL TEAM: Some of the crew aboard the Airbus A320, a 160-seater aircraft that Uganda Airlines wet-leased from Global Airlines to augment its operations.

"The US market represents a significant economic opportunity for Uganda, especially now that we can no longer benefit from the African Growth and Opportunities Act," he explains, adding that aircraft are therefore crucial for intra-regional-Africa air transport and integration. Matanda believes that the new aircraft would not only enhance Uganda's transportation infrastructure but also solidifify its role in global trade.

Luggya says they are greatly optimistic about the future of the aviation industry in the country. He notes that the Government’s comprehensive 20-year National Civil Aviation Master Plan, covering Entebbe International Airport and other aerodromes, is significantly propelling the industry towards greater heights. Major infrastructure developments include the nearing completion of a new 20,000 square meter terminal building, which will connect to the existing terminal.

The overall project is 90% complete, with the new terminal expected to enhance capacity from 2 million to at least 3.5 million passengers annually. Other key completions include resurfacing of runways and aprons, construction of a new cargo center, and the expansion of apron areas.

But perhaps one of the standout achievements was the adoption of technology bolster safety and operational reliability. The adoption of advanced navigation systems and modernized air traffic control mechanisms contributed to smoother and more secure flight operations, ensuring passenger safety while at the same time positioning Uganda as a leader in aviation safety within the region.

• According to Luggya, the enactment of the Civil Aviation Authority (Amendment) Act 2024 brought Uganda in line with international aviation standards. The Act provides inspectors with unrestricted access to aviation facilities and enables recognition of third-party State agreements, thus enhancing the regulatory framework.

• “Uganda's aviation safety systems received a vote of confidence with a 72.17% score in the Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP-CMA) by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), surpassing both regional and global averages,” he observes.

Significant progress was also recorded in the development of upcountry aerodromes, including runway repairs at Kisoro Airfield, construction of taxiways and car parks at Arua Airport, and feasibility studies for upgrades at Arua, Gulu, Pakuba, Kidepo, Kasese, and Kisoro. Apart from final touches being made on the new international airport in Hoima, a partnership with the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry for another international airport near Kidepo National Park has also been endorsed.

Evidently, the buoyant aviation sector has played a pivotal role in driving economic growth and fostering employment opportunities in 2023. According to Luggya, the airport handled 60,072 metric tonnes in 2023, composed of fresh produce, especially fish, flowers, vegetables and fruits, which are consumed by markets in Netherlands, Belgium and the Middle East, among others.

Cargo operations shifted to the new state-of-the art cargo center, which has capacity to handle 100,000 metric tonnes annually. Also, the expansion of airport infrastructure and increased air traffic stimulated economic activity in related sectors such as tourism, hospitality, and trade.