The government has reiterated its commitment to enhancing the country’s infrastructure as a catalyst for investment and economic growth, coinciding with Uganda Airlines’ historic launch of its first-ever direct flight to London.
The direct service between Entebbe International Airport and Gatwick Airport officially commenced on Sunday, May 18, and is being seen as a major leap forward in Uganda’s global connectivity.
Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury, Ramathan Ggoobi, hailed the achievement as a testament to ongoing government efforts to boost infrastructure to attract investors and facilitate trade.
Airline CEO Jennifer Bamuturaki described the new route as a game-changer for Uganda’s tourism and trade sectors.
“This route opens up new doors for tourism, trade, and Ugandans in the diaspora. It reflects Uganda Airlines’ growth and the country’s broader economic ambitions,” she said.
The Entebbe-London route will operate four times a week—on Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays—using the Airbus A330-800neo, an aircraft known for its long-range comfort and fuel efficiency.
The flights will also include same-day returns from London, adding convenience for travelers.
This development follows Uganda Airlines' expansion into Abuja, Lusaka, and Harare in late 2024, and is part of its broader strategy to position itself as a regional and global player in aviation.
Speaking at the launch event in Entebbe, Minister of Transport, Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, said the direct flights are expected to bolster tourism, increase trade flows, and deepen people-to-people ties between Uganda and the United Kingdom.
“This route is more than a flight path; it’s a strategic connection that opens up multiple economic and cultural opportunities,” said Katumba.
The significance of the new route is underscored by growing trade relations between Uganda and the UK.
According to the British High Commission in Kampala, total trade between the two countries reached £860 million in 2023, with Uganda exporting goods worth £2.3 billion over the past five years.
With this new milestone, Uganda Airlines continues to advance its vision of connecting Uganda to the world, while the government maintains its focus on infrastructure as a critical enabler of economic transformation.