Ramathan Ggoobi, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development
The impending launch of Uganda Airlines direct flights to London Gatwick scheduled to commence on 18th May 2025, is set to open up trade and tourism opportunities for both Uganda and the United Kingdom.
The London route has been a priority for the national carrier for the last five years.
London, the 17th destination and 13th country into which the national carrier will fly, will have four weekly direct flights and a capacity of 26 business passengers, 28 Premium economy passengers, 210 economy passengers and a 20-tonne Cargo capacity on each route.
Speaking at the Uganda-UK Trade and Business Forum held at Sheraton Hotel on Wednesday, Fred Byamukama, State Minister for Transport, said that this direct connection strengthens bilateral trade, supports exporters especially in agriculture and perishables and unlocks new opportunities for tourism, business, and cultural exchange.
“It offers the Ugandan diaspora in the UK a faster, more reliable way to stay connected with home,” Byamukama said, adding that the UK remains a key market for Uganda and a trusted origin of high-quality brands widely embraced by Ugandan consumers.
In her remarks, Jenifer Bamuturaki, the Uganda Airlines Chief Executive Officer, noted that the London route is of great strategic importance due to Uganda’s shared history, culture, business and social ties with the United Kingdom.
“Such forums present a valuable opportunity to listen to expectations, engage in meaningful dialogue and explore how we can continue refining Uganda Airlines as we expand our network in the transportation industry,” said Bamuturaki.
In 2023, Uganda-UK trade accounted for GBP £556 million in value from Uganda; coffee, bananas, Vegetables, minerals, and other agro products topped the table.
“We are confident that our cargo capacity on the A330-800neo and our plans to enhance our cargo operations capacity will support the rapid growth of Ugandan exports to the UK,” said Bamuturaki, adding: “This route elevates Uganda Airlines’ international profile and strategically positions us to tap deeper into the global aviation market. The route’s success will boost our revenues and support further expansion and operational sustainability.”
She added that the times for the London route have been chosen to provide the most convenient connections for the guests who have onward journeys to North America and Europe. On the return leg, the timings are designed to feed neatly into the national carrier’s African network for customers whose journeys extend beyond Uganda to destinations in East, West, Central and West Africa.
Speaking at the same event, Ramathan Ggoobi, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, emphasized the role of Uganda Airlines and the multiple opportunities it opens up.
“I would, therefore, like to use this opportunity to call upon the local and international business community here today to explore ways of leveraging the opportunities being opened up through Uganda Airlines expansion to support our vision for a Ten-fold increase in the Gross Domestic Product,” said Ggoobi
He also highlighted the need for markets of Uganda’s exports, in four potential highly competitive value chains which include Tourism, Minerals, Science, Technology and Innovation, and Digital Transformation.
He revealed that Uganda Airlines is still in the investment phase, pledging support to close the revenue gap in the area of fleet development to add mid-range aircrafts, small passenger crafts and cargo planes.
H.E Lisa Chesney MBE British High Commissioner to Uganda welcomed the idea of direct flights to London as it will streamline cargo transport, making it easier and faster for fresh Ugandan products such as fish, coffee, fruits and vegetables to reach the UK market in the shortest time possible.
“We can also connect those on the bustling streets of London, to the impenetrable forests of Bwindi as we foster stronger ties between our people, and our cultures,” said Chesney, adding that UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme provides tariff-free access for over 95% of all goods exported from Uganda to the UK, calling it the most generous trade preferences schemes in the world.
“The direct flights from Entebbe to London is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of,” she said.
