Uganda to acquire 10 new aircraft, says Byamukama
Byamukama disclosed that the aircraft would be acquired in phases.
Works and transport minister-designate Fred Byamukama arrives at Parliament for vetting on Monday. (Photos by Miriam Namutebi)
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Works and transport minister-designate Fred Byamukama has revealed that Uganda plans to acquire 10 additional aircraft as part of efforts to expand the national carrier's fleet.
Speaking to journalists at Parliament on Monday, June 1, 20226, shortly after appearing before the Parliamentary Appointments Committee, Byamukama disclosed that the aircraft would be acquired in phases.
"We are soon signing a contract to bring in new aircraft after sorting the mess in Uganda Airlines. We shall first bring in four new aircraft and later bring in four more, and lastly two, making a total of 10 aircraft in time to come,” Byamukama said.
With the acquisition of the new aircraft, Uganda Airlines' fleet will increase to 18 aircraft. The airline currently operates two Airbus A330-800neo aircraft, four Bombardier CRJ-900LR aircraft, one Airbus A320-200 and one Boeing 737-800. The latter two aircraft are leased from Ethiopian Airlines.
Using the same platform, Byamukama revealed that rail and air transport would be among the ministry's top priorities during the 2026-2031 term.
“Under this five-year term, our priorities are centred on both the standard and metre gauge railway because we have seen that the prices of commodities are very high, and the prices go very high because we use high transport costs through the usage of vehicles.
When we introduce the railway transport, they will transport the cargo at a reduced cost,” Byamukama said.
Railway projects prioritised
Byamukama said one of the ministry's key priorities would be the completion of the Standard Gauge Railway connecting Kampala to Malaba and onward to Kenya and Naivasha, as well as the rehabilitation of the metre gauge railway network.
He added that the ministry also intends to complete several stalled infrastructure projects across the country.
“There are some road projects that are taking about six years to get completed. Some of you have seen the Mityana- Mubende road, Mutukula road that have stalled for so many years, Jinja express highway, among others have to be prioritised and completed,” Byamukama revealed.
Other projects that the ministry plans to prioritise include the Karuma Bridge and Katonga Bridge.