KAMPALA, Uganda— Uganda Airlines has convened the Uganda-UK Trade and Business Forum in Kampala, bringing together government officials, business leaders, and diplomats to explore opportunities for trade, tourism, and investment between Uganda and the United Kingdom. The event precedes the national carrier’s inaugural direct flight between Entebbe and London Gatwick, scheduled for May 18, 2025.
The forum, organized in partnership with Minet, a risk and human capital solutions advisor, aimed to highlight Uganda’s investment potential, promote tourism, support exports, and strengthen ties with the Ugandan and African diaspora in the UK. Discussions focused on key sectors including tourism, trade, investment, agro-processing, mining, financial services, education, oil and gas, and infrastructure development.
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Jennifer Bamuturaki, CEO of Uganda Airlines, underscored the strategic importance of the London route in her keynote address. “From the very start of our business planning, London was identified as one of our priority international destinations and for good reason,” she said. “This will be the only direct air service between Uganda and the UK, cutting travel time to just nine hours, while offering unmatched comfort and over 70 tons of cargo capacity in each direction.”
She also emphasized the environmental compliance of the airline’s Airbus A330-800neo fleet, noting their adherence to European emissions and fuel efficiency standards. “With the IATA 2025 net zero targets now in effect, we are proud that our equipment supports lower fuel burn. Uganda Airlines is ready to meet sustainability obligations head-on,” Bamuturaki said.
Ramathan Ggoobi, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development and Secretary to the Treasury, linked the new route to Uganda’s long-term development strategy under the upcoming National Development Plan IV (NDP-IV). “This new route is a strategic enabler in our goal to expand Uganda’s economy from USD 50 billion to USD 500 billion by 2040,” he said. “Uganda Airlines is not just a carrier, it is a driver of export growth, tourism, and deeper regional integration. With this new connection, cargo revenue is projected to grow from 8% to 25% of airline income by 2030, unlocking massive potential for agro-exporters.” He added that the government would continue to support the airline’s expansion, including plans for dedicated cargo aircraft.
British High Commissioner to Uganda Lisa Chesney expressed enthusiasm for the strengthened Uganda-UK ties. “This isn’t just about celebrating a new flight, it’s about doing business,” she said. “With direct flights, we can get Ugandan coffee, fruits, fish, and those giant avocados to the UK faster. The average British consumer will thank us when they taste the freshness Uganda has to offer.”
Addressing concerns about UK visa processes, Chesney acknowledged the challenges and assured attendees of ongoing efforts to improve travel facilitation. “With more responsible traffic on direct flights, we believe the visa process will adapt over time. I’ve spoken with UK Ministers and Trade Envoys, and there is a genuine desire to grow our partnership.” She also highlighted Uganda’s inclusion in the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme, offering tariff-free access for over 95% of Ugandan goods. “We are backing this relationship with action. The UK has put over £700 million in public and private sector investments, trade development initiatives, and support for Ugandan exporters through programmes like the UK Trade Partnerships and Standards Partnership Project,” Chesney said.
Uganda Airlines also launched the Victoria Nile Carbon Initiative (VNCI), a voluntary carbon offsetting program allowing passengers to support certified carbon reduction projects such as reforestation and renewable energy. Proceeds from the VNCI will be directed towards the restoration and protection of Lake Victoria, facing environmental threats from pollution and industrial waste.
Uganda Airlines, which began commercial operations in August 2019, operates international scheduled air transportation services in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and soon Europe. The airline has been recognized for its young and modern fleet.
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