A Uganda Airlines plane
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Uganda Airlines has captured 25.38 per cent of passenger traffic at Entebbe International Airport, marking a significant increase in the national carrier’s presence in the country’s aviation market since its revival in 2019. It has grown its market share from just 4% in 2019
The airline’s market share has grown from just four per cent when it resumed commercial operations, as its expanding route network, increased flight frequencies and government investment continue to strengthen its position at Uganda’s main international gateway.
Works and Transport Minister Fred Byamukama disclosed the latest figures in a statement to Parliament on Thursday on the status of Uganda’s air transport sector.
“Uganda Airlines retained a strong 25.38% market share in terms of passenger traffic at Entebbe International Airport, underscoring the resilience of its brand,” Byamukama said.
The latest figure is an increase from the approximately 24 per cent market share previously reported by government, highlighting the airline’s continued growth in a market historically dominated by foreign carriers.
More passengers, routes
Byamukama said Uganda Airlines carried 98,548 passengers between April and June 2026 while operating 1,845 flights across 17 routes.
The carrier operated an average of five aircraft during the period, while maintaining its fleet of six owned aircraft and one leased aircraft.
The expansion of its route network has been central to the airline’s growth. Uganda Airlines now connects Entebbe to more than 17 destinations across Africa, the Middle East and Asia, including major commercial centres such as Nairobi, Johannesburg, Dubai, Mumbai and Lagos.
Increasing frequencies on high-demand regional and international routes has also enabled the carrier to serve more passengers and compete more directly with established international airlines.
At Entebbe, the national carrier competes with operators including Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, RwandAir and major Gulf carriers.
Competition has recently increased further following the resumption of daily Nairobi-Entebbe flights by Jambojet, making it the 21st international operator serving Entebbe International Airport.
Government commits billions to expansion
The growth in market share comes as government continues to commit substantial resources to expanding Uganda Airlines.
Byamukama said government has so far committed Shs446 billion towards a programme to acquire 10 new aircraft.
The aircraft are expected to increase the airline’s passenger and cargo capacity while enabling it to increase frequencies and expand its network of destinations.
The acquisition is planned in phases, with four aircraft expected in the initial phase, followed by another four and finally two.
The minister told Parliament that the Proposal Business Offer agreement for the acquisition of eight aircraft was signed on June 10, 2026.
Uganda Airlines has since announced its first Boeing order, comprising four Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft and four Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. The broader fleet expansion programme will also include cargo aircraft.
The investment is intended to strengthen the airline’s capacity and support government ambitions of developing Entebbe into a stronger regional aviation hub.
Fleet challenges remain
Despite the growth, the airline has faced operational challenges, particularly involving the availability of its long-haul aircraft.
Byamukama said Uganda Airlines temporarily secured additional long-haul capacity after its two Airbus A330 aircraft became unavailable.
The airline entered into a wet-lease agreement with Ethiopian Airlines for a Boeing 787-8 aircraft for two months, with the arrangement ending in May 2026.
“This served as a short-term intervention to support long-haul operations affected by the grounding of both A330 aircraft,” Byamukama said.
The incident highlighted the importance of fleet reliability as Uganda Airlines expands its international network and seeks to retain passengers on long-haul routes.
Focus on aviation infrastructure
Beyond fleet expansion, the government is also seeking to strengthen the airline’s operational standards.
Byamukama said Uganda Airlines has started the International Air Transport Association Safety Audit for Ground Operations certification process and commenced engagements with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency.
The developments come alongside wider government investment in Uganda’s aviation infrastructure.
At Kabalega International Airport in Hoima, Byamukama said 98 per cent of physical works had been completed, with preparations for operationalisation underway.
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