The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) has announced a remarkable rise in international air traffic, marking a turning point for the country’s aviation sector. The surge has been fueled by the introduction of new flight routes to destinations such as Abuja, Lagos, and Mumbai, as well as the arrival of new air operators in Ugandan airspace. This progress underscores Uganda’s growing role as a hub for international trade and tourism.
Fred Bamwesigye, the Director General of UCAA, credited this growth to strategic efforts aimed at enhancing connectivity and upgrading infrastructure. Speaking at a stakeholders’ breakfast event in Kampala, Bamwesigye highlighted the importance of these developments. “We are witnessing tremendous growth in our air traffic. New flight routes and operators have significantly increased our capacity to serve international passengers and facilitate trade,” he said.
The improved connectivity has not only opened Uganda to more destinations but also boosted its position in regional and global markets. These advancements come at a time when air transport is becoming an increasingly vital component of economic development.
Cargo Potential Hampered by Trade Barriers
While there is notable progress in passenger traffic, challenges persist in cargo exports. Shakila Rahim Lamar, the Public Relations and Corporate Affairs Manager at Uganda Airlines, raised concerns about trade restrictions on certain Ugandan products, particularly in the Indian market. She noted that items such as ghee, avocados, and pineapples, which were gazetted for export in the 1970s, remain restricted, limiting the full utilization of cargo flight capacity.
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