Section
aviation
Recent aviation coverage and related updates from across Uganda Online.
Sports 27 September 2026
Kabalega International Airport in Hoima district conducted its first passenger flights, serving as a crucial operational test for Uganda's 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) preparations. The airport welcomed the Libyan national football team and the Uganda Cranes as they arrived for an AFCON qualifier match. Source: https://observer.ug/news/kabalega-airport-handles-first-passenger-flights-in-afcon-test
Politics 23 September 2026
Aviation professional Yusuf Mpoza contends that Britain maintains an indirect hold over Uganda Airlines through passenger capacity limits. Mpoza also discussed the historical development of air travel in Uganda and the growth of Islam in Europe. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/372901/mpoza-claims-britain-still-influences-uganda-airlines-through-passenger-limits
aviation 23 September 2026
A whistleblower has petitioned the Inspectorate of Government (IG) accusing the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) of allowing PearlSky, an unregistered airline, to operate from Entebbe International Airport. The company, which allegedly lacks necessary licenses and pays no mandatory bonds, is a tenant of UCAA at the airport. Source: https://observer.ug/news/whistleblower-petitions-igg-over-illegal-airline-operating-at-entebbe
news 20 September 2026
The September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in the United States had a profound and lasting effect on global aviation, leading to significant security upgrades and policy changes that were also adopted by Uganda's aviation sector. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/how-9-11-reshaped-uganda-s-aviation-industry-5601848
aviation 15 September 2026
A recent parliamentary inquiry into the procurement of a Shs5.39 billion fire truck for Entebbe International Airport has sparked public debate. Officials emphasize that the vehicle's value should be assessed against international aviation standards and its comprehensive package, not just its sticker price. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/oped/commentary/-airport-fire-truck-meets-international-aviation-standards--5596742
Politics 8 September 2026
Members of Parliament are questioning the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) over the substantial cost of a specialized fire truck and a transformer that has yet to be delivered. The committee is demanding detailed documentation to justify these significant expenditures. Source: https://observer.ug/news/mps-querry-ucaas-shs-5bn-fire-truck-shs-2-3bn-transformer
aviation 31 August 2026
The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) has completed significant upgrades at Jinja Airfield, transforming its runway, taxiway, and apron into paved surfaces to improve safety and operational efficiency. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/ucaa-upgrades-jinja-airfield-to-paved-runway-to-boost-aviation-5578310
travel 31 August 2026
Uganda Airlines has issued a travel advisory warning passengers of potential delays for flights to and from Nairobi. The disruptions are attributed to ongoing operational challenges with air traffic control at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/367874/uganda-airlines-warns-of-nairobi-flight-delays-amid-air-traffic-control-challenges
Health 26 August 2026
A French court has made a landmark ruling, acknowledging cosmic radiation as a contributing factor to a former flight attendant's breast cancer, potentially opening the door for similar claims. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/366813/radiation-link-in-flight-attendants-breast-cancer-french-court-finds
aviation 25 August 2026
As Uganda Airlines celebrates its seventh anniversary, its CEO outlines a vision for the airline to become a symbol of national competence, urging patience, collective responsibility, and constructive engagement from media and stakeholders. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/oped/commentary/uganda-airlines-may-not-be-there-yet-but-it-can-be-5570218
travel 22 August 2026
A passenger required medical attention after their laptop ignited on an American Airlines flight from Atlanta to Dallas. The crew swiftly contained the device, ensuring a safe landing. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/365968/laptop-catches-fire-on-us-flight-with-passenger-treated-at-airport
Business 17 August 2026
Uganda Airlines' new CEO, Girma Wake, has outlined a comprehensive strategy aimed at achieving financial break-even by 2030, contingent on government support and a shift towards operational self-sufficiency. The plan focuses on capacity building, route expansion, and enhancing ancillary services. Source: https://observer.ug/news/uganda-airlines-to-break-even-in-2030-ceo-girma
Business 16 August 2026
While Uganda Airlines is actively growing its network across the African continent, the national carrier faces significant hurdles in achieving profitability. The success of its new routes hinges on overcoming operational and financial challenges. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/business/markets/beyond-new-routes-uganda-airlines-faces-hard-profit-tests--5560528
Business 13 August 2026
Uganda Airlines is embarking on a significant fleet expansion with a $985 million order for 10 Boeing aircraft, aiming to bolster connectivity, introduce dedicated cargo services, and establish Entebbe as a regional aviation hub. The success of this ambitious plan hinges on developing sufficient passenger and cargo traffic, enhancing operational capacity, and maintaining commercial discipline before the new planes arrive. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/business/markets/uganda-airlines-expansion-plan-a-bet-on-connectivity-and-cargo-5556380
aviation 7 August 2026
Uganda Airlines Acting CEO Girma Wake states the national carrier is making strides in improving its reliability and network connectivity, despite ongoing fleet challenges impacting nearly 60% of its capacity. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/361830/interview-reliability-improving-despite-fleet-challenges-says-uganda-airlines-ceo
aviation 5 August 2026
Uganda Airlines is set to launch daily flights to Kigali, Rwanda, starting November 18th, intensifying competition with RwandAir on the lucrative Entebbe-Kigali route. The national carrier is also introducing four weekly services to Accra, Ghana. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/361262/uganda-airlines-takes-on-rwandair-with-daily-kigali-flights
aviation 4 August 2026
A Kenya Airways flight from Nairobi experienced a tyre burst shortly after landing at Cape Town International Airport on Tuesday afternoon. The incident caused significant disruptions to airport operations, including flight diversions and the cancellation of the return journey. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/361230/kenya-airways-flight-suffers-tyre-burst-on-landing-in-cape-town
Business 2 August 2026
Uganda Airlines has reportedly secured a beneficial agreement with aircraft manufacturer Boeing, bolstering its plans for fleet expansion and route development. The deal highlights the airline's ambition to grow its regional and international presence. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/how-uganda-airlines-secured-sweet-deal-with-boeing-in-its-growth-quest-5544794
news 31 July 2026
A contingent of 261 Uganda Air Force College students recently participated in a practical aviation security training session at Entebbe International Airport. The visit aimed to bridge theoretical knowledge with real-world airport operations and security protocols. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/360531/uganda-air-force-college-students-gain-hands-on-aviation-security-experience-at-entebbe-airport
aviation 31 July 2026
Uganda's Civil Aviation Authority is collaborating with Gulu leaders and stakeholders to enhance aviation safety and protect aerodromes, crucial for managing increased air traffic during the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/360528/gulu-steps-up-aviation-safety-drive-as-uganda-prepares-for-afcon-2027
aviation 20 July 2026
Uganda Civil Aviation Authority is hosting a regional workshop in Entebbe, bringing together aviation security experts to bolster airport security measures and enhance preparedness against evolving threats in East Africa. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/357895/aviation-authority-hosts-icao-regional-workshop-to-strengthen-airport-security
parliament 17 July 2026
Following the dismissal of 89 staff for using forged academic documents, the Parliament's Committee on Physical Infrastructure has ordered the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) to submit the credentials of 13 senior managers for verification as a measure to ensure the integrity of top-level appointments. Source: https://www.parliament.go.ug/news/4500/committee-seeks-academic-credentials-13-top-ucaa-staff
parliament 16 July 2026
Uganda's Parliament has demanded the academic qualifications of 13 senior managers at the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) following the dismissal of 89 staff for submitting forged documents. The MPs are concerned about the integrity of the recruitment process and potential risks to aviation safety. Source: https://www.parliament.go.ug/news/4500/committee-seeks-academic-credentials-13-caa-top-staff
aviation 25 June 2026
A recent audit has revealed the deteriorating state of Uganda's regional airfields, contrasting with the government's continued investment in major international aviation hubs. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/special-reports/airfields-decay-as-govt-turns-radar-on-international-airports-5509506
Business 25 June 2026
Newly formed Ugandan companies, Base 7 International Aviation Academy Ltd and Hamster Business Solutions Limited, are vying to partner with Chinese counterparts to develop a major international airport in Mbarara, despite questions surrounding their financial capacity and prior experience. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/special-reports/men-and-women-bidding-for-mbarara-s-nyakisharara-international-airport-5508402
infrastructure 24 June 2026
Plans for a new international airport in Mbarara City have highlighted significant infrastructural gaps in the region, raising questions about its readiness to support such a major development. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/special-reports/nyakisharara-airport-project-places-mbarara-on-weighing-scale-5508372
Business 23 June 2026
Plans for Uganda's ambitious Nyakisharara International Airport in Mbarara City, envisioned by President Museveni as a global transit hub, are encountering significant viability questions amidst regional aviation rivalries and a lack of detailed planning. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/mbarara-airport-dream-runs-into-viability-headwinds-5505876
travel 19 June 2026
In a significant milestone, Uganda Airlines relaunched direct Hajj flights to Saudi Arabia in 2023, marking the first time in four decades that the national carrier has served this vital pilgrimage route. The resumption significantly eases travel for Ugandan Muslims. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/349799/today-in-history-uganda-airlines-makes-historic-return-to-hajj-flights-after-four-decades
Business 17 June 2026
Despite disruptions from Ebola-related travel restrictions affecting international flights, Uganda's aviation industry is experiencing a surge in investor interest, with ten new companies applying for air service licenses. Source: https://observer.ug/news/ten-new-airlines-eye-ugandas-skies
Health 14 June 2026
Several international airlines have reduced or suspended services to Uganda, citing Ebola fears, despite the country reporting no new cases for eight consecutive days. Aviation authorities are working to restore confidence in Uganda as a safe travel destination. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/uganda-pushes-back-as-airlines-cut-flights-over-ebola-fear-5495808
Business 10 June 2026
Uganda Airlines has finalized a significant Shs3.7 trillion agreement with American manufacturer Boeing for the acquisition of 10 new aircraft, a move aimed at bolstering the national carrier's fleet and expanding its operational capacity. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/uganda-secures-shs3-7-trillion-deal-for-10-new-boeing-passenger-planes-5491910
national 8 May 2026
Entebbe International Airport has finalized operational plans to accommodate foreign dignitaries attending President Museveni's swearing-in ceremony. The airport is also preparing for the upcoming Hajj pilgrimage travel season. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/entebbe-airport-ready-for-museveni-swearing-in-guests-ucaa-5451818
Business 2 May 2026
The Ugandan government is taking steps to improve Uganda Air Cargo operations after the Auditor General's report exposed delays in a joint venture with Alpha MBM DWC-LLC. Officials see the audit as a chance to align efforts and speed up revival of the national carrier. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/government-moves-to-strengthen-uganda-air-cargo-as-auditor-general-flags-implementation-gaps-5444114
Business 20 April 2026
Africa's largest airline, Ethiopian Airlines, has confirmed the purchase of six additional Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner jets to boost its long-haul network. The carrier is also advancing a massive new airport project aimed at becoming Africa's premier aviation hub. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/ethiopian-airlines-buying-six-more-boeing-787-9-airplanes-5430710
news 3 April 2026
A Uganda Airlines flight from Johannesburg to Entebbe turned back shortly after takeoff on April 3, 2026, due to a bird strike that shattered the cockpit windscreen. All passengers and crew landed safely, with the airline praising the pilot's quick decision. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/uganda-airlines-plane-forced-to-make-emergency-return-to-johannesburg-5411940
Business 1 April 2026
Uganda Airlines faces reputational damage from delays and backlash, compounded by geopolitical tensions like the Israel-Iran conflict raising fuel costs and disrupting routes. Drawing lessons from Ethiopian Airlines, the carrier can build resilience through commercial financing, focused routes, local training, and transparent governance. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/oped/commentary/how-uganda-airlines-can-withstand-global-air-travel-turbulence-5410746
education 27 March 2026
The East African Civil Aviation Academy in Soroti graduated 53 students despite severe funding constraints that limit operations and growth. Officials called for government support and urged graduates to innovate in the aviation sector. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/uganda-aviation-academy-flags-funding-crisis-as-53-graduate-5405558
Business 24 March 2026
The government has obtained Shs422.26 billion through borrowing to purchase 10 new planes for Uganda Airlines, addressing fleet shortages that have disrupted international routes. This funding, part of a larger supplementary budget approved last year, aims to boost the airline's capacity amid rising fiscal pressures. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/business/markets/govt-secures-shs422b-to-buy-10-planes-for-uganda-airlines--5401954