By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Uganda Airlines on Wednesday signed a landmark Shs3.7 trillion ($982 million) agreement with American aircraft manufacturer Boeing for the acquisition of 10 new aircrafts, marking the largest fleet expansion programme since the national carrier was revived in 2019.
The agreement signed at the State House Entebbe was witnessed by President Yoweri Museveni, senior government officials and representatives from Boeing and is aimed at strengthening trade, tourism and investment, authorities said.
According to details released after the signing, the deal covers eight passenger aircraft and two cargo freighters, significantly expanding Uganda Airlines’ passenger and cargo capacity as it seeks to strengthen its position in regional and international aviation markets.
State House described the acquisition as a major milestone for Uganda’s aviation sector and broader economic ambitions.
“President Museveni today witnessed the signing of a landmark agreement between Uganda Airlines and Boeing for the acquisition of 10 new aircraft, a major step in expanding Uganda’s aviation capacity and global connectivity,” State House said.
“The fleet expansion, which includes passenger and cargo aircraft, will strengthen trade, tourism and investment, and position Uganda as a key regional aviation hub.”
Under the agreement, Uganda Airlines will acquire eight Boeing passenger aircraft, each with a seating capacity of up to 294 passengers, alongside two cargo freighters comprising a Boeing 767 wide-body converted freighter and a Boeing 737 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF).
The acquisition forms part of the airline’s long-term fleet growth strategy as it seeks to increase frequencies on existing routes, launch new destinations and grow cargo operations amid rising demand for air transport services across Africa and beyond.
The deal boosts government efforts over the past year to strengthen the national carrier’s fleet, including plans previously approved by Cabinet for additional passenger and cargo aircraft to support Uganda’s trade, tourism and export ambitions.
Industry observers say the acquisition will significantly enhance Uganda Airlines’ competitiveness against established regional carriers such as Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways and RwandAir, all of which have invested heavily in fleet expansion and network growth.
Uganda Airlines currently serves 16 destinations across Africa, Europe, the Middle East and Asia, including London, Dubai, Mumbai, Johannesburg, Lagos, Abuja, Kinshasa, Juba and Nairobi.
