KAMPALA, Uganda — Uganda Airlines is set to add 10 new aircraft to its fleet in a strategic push for global competitiveness, backed by 422 billion shillings in government funding.
The investment, secured through a supplementary budget, will be used to obtain production slots for the aircraft. This stage is considered essential in procurement due to high international demand and long manufacturing timelines.
The expansion comes as the national carrier seeks to transition from a small-scale operation to a major player in regional and international aviation markets. Officials noted that the current fleet size has restricted the airline’s ability to maintain consistent schedules and capitalize on emerging travel and cargo opportunities.
The push for growth coincides with a leadership overhaul aimed at addressing financial and governance hurdles. Since its relaunch, the airline has faced significant operational losses linked to high startup costs and the complexities of the competitive aviation industry.
To steer this transition, President Yoweri Museveni appointed Ethiopian aviation veteran Girma Wake in February 2026 as a consultant, advisor and acting chief executive. Wake is expected to remain in the position until July 2026, when a permanent CEO is named. His appointment followed the dismissal of former acting CEO Jenifer Bamuturaki during a broader restructuring effort.
Government officials said the combination of new capital and veteran leadership is designed to put the carrier on a path toward long-term efficiency. However, analysts cautioned that achieving global competitiveness will require not only new planes but also strong management systems and strategic route planning.
The funding signals a continued commitment by the government to the national carrier as it works to resolve the structural challenges that have marked its performance since its revival.
