Uganda Airlines makes historic touchdown at London Gatwick

Uganda Airlines has made its long-anticipated debut in Europe, successfully completing its maiden flight to the United Kingdom—a landmark moment in the national carrier’s resurgence.                                                                                                                                                                                                           

The Airbus A330-800neo aircraft touched down at London Gatwick on Sunday after departing Entebbe International Airport at 10:05 a.m., officially launching the airline’s first-ever route to Europe.                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

Leading the high-level Ugandan delegation aboard the historic flight was Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala. The London route comes five years after the revival of Uganda Airlines and marks a major leap in its international ambitions.                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

UK High Commissioner to Uganda Kate Airey is ushered onto the plane for the flight.

The Airbus A330-800neo at Entebbe Airport on Sunday shortly before departure.

Gen. Wamala was joined by several senior government officials, including Francis Mwebesa, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, along with representatives from the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), and the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACIED), among others.                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

The delegation is scheduled to hold strategic meetings in the UK aimed at boosting tourism, strengthening bilateral ties, and attracting foreign investment to Uganda.                                                                                                                                                 

Works and transport minister Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala who led Uganda’s delegation settles in for the long haul flight.

Also on board was the UK High Commissioner to Uganda, Kate Airey, who praised the new direct route as a timely boost to Uganda–UK relations. “There is no better time to be launching a direct flight when our two countries are committed to fostering stronger trade and economic links,” Airey said. “I am thrilled to see members of the British Chamber of Commerce booked on this flight, already looking to leverage this new connection to drive investment and trade.”                                                                                                                                                                                                      

In his address, Gen. Wamala emphasised the importance of the mission ahead. “We are not going to London to ask for donations,” he said. “We are going there to seek investment. We’ll be engaging directly with potential investors, and we must convince them to bring their businesses to Uganda. You are going out there to promote trade. We have what the UK and the world need – you must not come back empty-handed.”                                                                                                                                                   

Senior Capt. Sam Masaba (left) was joined by Captain Clive Okoth in the cockpit for the inaugural flight.

Ramathan Ggoobi, the finance ministry permanent secretary, underscored the strategic value of the new route.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

“This connection will not only support tourism and business but also facilitate the transfer of knowledge and technology to Uganda,” Ggoobi said. “We are working on several investments, and in the near future, we aim to expand our direct flights to more global destinations.”                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

Uganda Airlines CEO Jenifer Bamuturaki extended appreciation to the various stakeholders who made the launch a success.                                                                                                                                                                                                 

“As we take to the skies on this new route, I invite you to choose Uganda Airlines for your future travel between Uganda and the UK,” she said.                                                                                                                                                                                        

The airline will operate four flights a week to London Gatwick.                                                                                                                                                                            

Upon arrival in London, the Ugandan delegation received a warm welcome from members of the Ugandan diaspora in the UK. Many wore traditional attire, waved national flags, and greeted the visitors with heartfelt hugs, celebrating the achievement together.