Uganda Airlines hosted a high-level Uganda–UK Trade and Business Forum at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel, gathering influential voices from government, business, and diplomatic circles. The event marked a pivotal step toward deepening economic ties between Uganda and the United Kingdom, as the national carrier prepares to launch its first-ever direct flight between Entebbe and London Gatwick on May 18, 2025.
The forum, held in partnership with Minet, a pan-African advisory firm, served as a platform to promote investment, tourism, and trade, while strengthening connections with the Ugandan and broader African diaspora in the UK. Key sectors spotlighted included agro-processing, mining, education, oil and gas, financial services, infrastructure, and more.
Uganda Airlines CEO, Jennifer Bamuturaki, emphasized the strategic significance of the upcoming London route.
Jennifer Bamuturaki CEO, Uganda Airlines
“London has always been a priority destination for us. This will therefore, be the only direct flight between Uganda and the UK, cutting travel time to just nine hours. With over 70 tons of cargo capacity in each direction, we’re not just connecting people, but opening up trade,” she explained.
She also highlighted the environmental credentials of the Airbus A330-800neo fleet, citing compliance with European emissions standards and IATA’s 2025 net-zero goals.
“We are proud to operate next-generation aircraft that support lower fuel burn and reduce our environmental footprint,” she noted.
The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Ramathan Ggoobi, praised the airline’s role in Uganda’s broader development agenda.
He said through the London route, the airline could help lift Uganda’s export receipts to nearly $9billion and attract significant inflows of foreign direct investment.
He said with 14 destinations within Africa, and one to Europe, the Middle East and India, Uganda has never been better integrated into the regional and global air transport system.
“This route is a catalyst for Uganda’s economic transformation under the upcoming National Development Plan IV. We aim to grow the economy from $50 billion to $500 billion by 2040, and Uganda Airlines is central to this vision,” he stated.
He projected that cargo revenues could rise from 8% to 25% of the airline’s income by 2030, particularly benefiting the agro-export sector. Plans are also underway for dedicated cargo aircraft to further scale Uganda’s export capacity.
British High Commissioner to Uganda, Her Excellency Lisa Chesney, celebrated the growing partnership between the two nations.
“This is more than a flight launch. In fact, it is a bridge to deeper economic opportunity. Direct flights mean Ugandan coffee, fruits, fish, and avocados can reach UK markets fresher and faster,” she remarked.
British High Commissioner to Uganda, Her Excellency Lisa Chesney
Addressing concerns over UK visa challenges, Chesney acknowledged ongoing issues but promised improvements.
“We are actively engaging UK Ministers and Trade Envoys to streamline the visa process. With more direct flights, we anticipate better facilitation of travel and trade,” she said.
She also reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to Uganda’s development through the Developing Countries Trading Scheme, which grants tariff-free access to over 95% of Ugandan exports, adding that the UK has invested over £700 million in Uganda through various public and private initiatives, including the UK Trade Partnerships and Standards Partnership Project.
Meanwhile, the airline also unveiled the Victoria Nile Carbon Initiative (VNCI), a voluntary carbon offset program for eco-conscious travelers. The initiative allows passengers to offset their flight emissions by contributing to certified climate projects such as reforestation, renewable energy, and energy efficiency. A portion of the proceeds will be directed to efforts aimed at restoring Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest freshwater body, which is increasingly under threat from pollution and industrial activity.
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