Ugandans are being encouraged to embrace domestic aviation as a faster, safer and increasingly accessible way to explore the country, with industry players highlighting its role in boosting tourism and improving connectivity to remote destinations.
Speaking on behalf of Asante Aviation, Director Sheila Busingye applauded the government for maintaining peace and a conducive investment climate, noting that stability has enabled aviation businesses to grow and serve both tourists and local travellers.
“We are in the business of flying, and flying makes it easier for people to move from one destination to another—especially tourists who want to explore the entire country,” she said.
Busingye emphasized that domestic aviation has significantly contributed to opening up Uganda’s hard-to-reach areas, allowing travelers to access national parks and remote regions in a fraction of the time it would take by road.
From the savannah plains of Murchison Falls National Park to the mountainous landscapes of the southwest, aviation is increasingly becoming a key enabler of tourism.
“We have contributed to connecting remote areas to the city,” she noted.
Despite the progress, Busingye pointed to several infrastructure challenges that continue to affect operations and costs within the sector.
These include untarmacked upcountry aerodromes, which increase aircraft maintenance costs, lack of runway lighting that limits operations during low visibility or at night, and limited availability of aviation fuel in regional airstrips, forcing aircraft to return to Entebbe for refuelling.
“If aerodromes upcountry were well tarmacked, lit, and supplied with fuel, it would make operations much easier and more efficient,” she explained.
Beyond infrastructure, Busingye stressed the need for a mindset shift among Ugandans, urging locals to actively participate in promoting and consuming their own tourism products.
“The Ugandan is the first person to sell Uganda,” she said.
She challenged the perception that air travel is exclusive or expensive, noting that domestic flights are becoming more affordable and remain one of the safest modes of transport.
As Uganda continues to position itself as a top tourism destination, aviation stakeholders are calling on citizens to take advantage of domestic flights—not just for convenience but as a way of supporting local businesses and strengthening the tourism value chain.
“We invite Ugandans to make use of domestic flights and experience their country in a new way,” Busingye said.
With improved infrastructure and growing awareness, domestic aviation could become a game-changer, helping Ugandans rediscover their country while driving tourism growth from within.