By Teddy Namayanja
Uganda’s aviation sector has experienced significant growth in passenger and cargo traffic over the past few years, contributing substantially to the country’s economic development. The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) has released impressive statistics, indicating a steady increase in air travel and cargo transportation.
Passenger Traffic
According to UCAA’s 2022 annual report, passenger traffic at Entebbe International Airport (EBB) increased by 12.6% compared to 2021, with 1.7 million passengers passing through the airport.
This growth is attributed to:
- Increased tourism, driven by Uganda’s natural attractions and improved marketing efforts.
- Growing business travel, facilitated by Uganda’s expanding economy and investment opportunities.
- Enhanced air connectivity, with new routes and frequencies introduced by local and international carriers.
Compared to 2019, passenger traffic has grown by 25%, demonstrating the sector’s resilience and potential.
Import and Export Traffic
Cargo traffic has also experienced significant growth, with:
- Import cargo increasing by 15.4% in 2022, reaching 114,000 metric tons.
- Export cargo growing by 10.8%, reaching 73,000 metric tons.
This growth is largely driven by:
- Increased trade volumes, particularly in agricultural products and manufactured goods.
- Improved air cargo infrastructure and handling capacity.
Economic Impact
The aviation sector’s growth has substantial economic benefits:
- Contributing approximately 2.5% to Uganda’s GDP.
- Supporting over 10,000 jobs, both directly and indirectly.
- Facilitating tourism, trade, and investment.
Drivers of Growth
Several factors have contributed to the growth:
- Tourism marketing initiatives, such as the “Visit Uganda” campaign.
- Embracing technology, including online check-in and baggage tracking systems.
- Strategic partnerships between UCAA, airlines, and tourism stakeholders.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite the growth, challenges persist:
- Infrastructure constraints, particularly at regional airports.
- Limited air cargo capacity and handling facilities.
- Competition from neighboring countries’ aviation hubs.
To address these challenges:
- UCAA should continue investing in infrastructure development and modernization.
- Private sector investment in air cargo facilities and handling services should be encouraged.
- Regional cooperation and collaboration can help address competition concerns.
Uganda’s aviation sector has demonstrated remarkable resilience and growth, driven by tourism, trade, and technological advancements. As the sector continues to expand, addressing infrastructure and capacity challenges will be crucial to sustaining growth and maximizing economic benefits.
