Fred K. Bamwesigye, the UCAA Director General
The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) has revealed how the US/Israel war with Iran has affected Uganda’s aviation industry.
Fred K. Bamwesigye, the UCAA Director General, says global aviation was significantly disrupted following the temporary closure of airspace in parts of the Middle East beginning February 28, 2026.
“Uganda was not spared. Several airlines operating Middle East routes from Entebbe, including Emirates, Fly Dubai, Air Arabia, Qatar Airways, and Uganda Airlines temporarily suspended flights before resuming operations in phases. These airlines continue to closely monitor the situation and adjust their schedules accordingly. The disruptions had a considerable impact on passenger and cargo traffic through Entebbe, contributing to increased ticket costs and reduced revenues across the sector,” Bamwesigye said.
He made the remarks on Friday, May 8, 2026, while giving updates on aviation industry developments at the Uganda Media Centre.
He noted that while passenger traffic at Entebbe International Airport had been steadily rising over recent years, the January to March 2026 quarter recorded an unprecedented decline compared to the same period in 2025. International arrivals fell by 7.9%, from 260,434 to 239,850 passengers, while international departures declined by 8.5%, from 290,594 to 265,941 passengers.
“Transit passenger traffic, however, recorded strong growth of 25.2%, rising from 22,394 to 28,035 passengers,” he said, adding: “Cargo exports declined sharply by 28.9%, from 10,534 in 2025 to 7,490 metric tonnes in the same quarter of 2026, while imports fell by 9%, from 4,932 to 4,490 metric tonnes.”
He added that despite the decline in passenger and cargo traffic, aircraft movements increased by 7.7%, from 7,817 to 8,420 movements, and overflights grew by 2.6%, from 6,258 to 6,423, an indication of continued interest in Uganda’s airspace.
“The impact was most pronounced in March 2026. Cargo exports fell by 45.2% compared to March 2025, dropping from 3,886 to 2,130 metric tonnes, while imports declined by 30.3%, from 1,965 to 1,369 metric tonnes. International departures decreased by 8.6%, from 94,150 to 86,033 passengers, though international arrivals posted a modest recovery of 2.7%, rising from 82,750 to 85,020 passengers,” Bamwesigye said.
According to UCAA, April 2026 recorded 94,320 arriving and 94,810 departing passengers, a total of 189,130 international passengers and an average of 6,304 per day. This represents a slight increase of 4,930 more passengers than was recorded in the same month of 2025.
However, there was a drastic decline in cargo traffic, which recorded 3,389 metric tones of exports and 1,434 metric tones of imports, a total of 4,823 metric tones of cargo in April 2026, compared to 6,098 metric tones recorded in April 2025, a deficit of 1,275 metric tones.
It is my pleasure to join you today to provide an update on the state of Uganda’s aviation industry, key operational developments, and preparations for a number of significant upcoming events.
Stakeholder Coordination
Bamwesigye added that UCAA continues to coordinate all airport stakeholders, including airlines, ground handlers, fuel operators, security, customs, and immigration.
“Airlines have been fully briefed on operational expectations, and aviation fuel suppliers have been tasked to ensure adequate stock to meet the anticipated increase in demand, ensuring no disruptions or risk of scarcity,” he said.
Hijja Pilgrimage Operations
He advised the travelling public that Uganda’s Hijja pilgrims will be departing for Mecca through Entebbe International Airport from, May 8, until May 20, 2026.
“As is the practice during this period, significantly higher passenger volumes and accompanying persons are expected at the airport. We strongly advise all departing passengers travelling during this period to plan ahead and allow additional time for check-in and other airport processes to avoid inconvenience or the risk of missing their flights. In order for us to maintain orderly traffic flow within the airport, additional accompanying vehicles may be redirected where necessary, and we appreciate the public’s understanding in this regard,” he said, adding: “…The majority of pilgrims are expected to return between May 31 and June 10, 2026. During this period, we have advised airport staff to utilize the car parking near the control tower so as to create space for the likely increase in passenger and accompanying persons traffic.”
