Uganda to revive national airline

By Patrick Jaramogi

Government is committed to reviving the national carrier, Uganda Airlines, Vice President Edward Sekandi said on Friday.

Uganda Airlines ceased operations in 2001 after numerous attempts were made by the Government of Uganda to privatize the company, but all potential bidders pulled out, eventually leading to the liquidation of Uganda Airlines Corporation.

“It was an oversight, we are now committed as government to revive. Now that we are getting to greater heights due to many flights into the country, we surely need a national airline,” he said.

Sekandi was meeting the Secretary General of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) for the Eastern and Southern Africa, Raymond Benjamin at his offices in Kampala.

Works Minister Eng. Abraham Byandala and a team of CAA officials led by Civil Aviation Managing Director Wenceslaus Rama Makuza attended.             

Benjamin who was leading a delegation of ICAO officials during a week-long visit said Uganda was destined to become a leading tourist hub in the Sub Saharan Africa.

“As ICAO we are impressed by the government move to ensure safety of airlines amidst terrorist threats. We hail Uganda government efforts in fighting terrorism,” he said.

Adding; “According to research Uganda is set to become a leading tourist destination due to its central location. Many leading airlines are now channeling their flights to Uganda due to this,” he said.

Benjamin pointed out that the move made by government to have electronic passport was the right move towards fighting terrorism and crime.

“We (ICAO) will support Uganda to have electronic passports. Uganda will now join the other 50 countries with similar systems across the world,” he said.

The system, said Benjamin allows easy tracing of travel documents across the globe at a mere click of the mouse.

“You need international civil aviation systems to cope with the growing flights and to meet the sustainability of the aviation industry,” said Benjamin.

He reiterated the need for government to make immediate steps to cope with the increased increase of flights to Entebbe International Airport.

“Government may need to set up more airports to handle the increased flights. Fields such as Soroti, Gulu, Arua, and Kasese can be remodeled to help meet the challenge,” he said.

Entebbe has over the recent years been overwhelmed with the increase in International flights with recent entrants being Turkish and Qatar airlines.