The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), during a high-level stakeholder engagement held today at the Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala, declared a landmark year of growth and unveiled aggressive plans to transform the nation into a regional aviation powerhouse.
Led by the UCAA Director General, Mr. Fred K. Bamwesigye, the engagement highlighted unprecedented traffic growth and pivotal infrastructure development, positioning Uganda’s air transport sector for the next decade of expansion.
The engagement was attended by, among others, Mr. Kabbs Twijukye, Uganda’s representative to the International Civil Aviation Authority (ICAO), Justice Steven Kavuma, the Board Chairman of UCAA and his team, several representatives from the Ministry of Works and Transport, plus various air operators and other stakeholders.
Justice Steven Kavuma, the Board Chairman of UCAA, represented the State Minister for Works and Transport, Hon. Fred Byamukama
In his opening remarks, Mr. Bamwesigye, who took the audience through the core mandate of the UCAA, revealed that the Authority reported a significant boom in air traffic, driven by new routes and a stable economic environment.
“The UCAA registered international passenger traffic of 2,247,145 from January to November 2025, which has already surpassed the entire 2024 total of 2,243,104, even before accounting for the busy December period,” Mr. Bamwesigye said.
“Cargo traffic for the same period reached equality with the entire 2024 figure, driven by sustained international trade, although this will increase the capacity to 100,000 metric tonnes with the opening of the new cargo terminal,” he added.
He also revealed that the Ugandan airspace this year welcomed several new operators and routes, significantly enhancing global connectivity.
“Uganda Airlines launched its first European foray with direct flights to London Gatwick in May 2025,” Mr. Bamwesigye said, noting that this is a significant milestone not only for UCAA but Uganda as a whole in terms of boosting tourism and economic development.
He revealed that to expand its operations in the aviation sector, UCAA had registered new operators who include: Flynas (Riyadh/Entebbe), Malawi Airlines (Lilongwe/Entebbe), Fanjet Express, and Safarilink (both on the Nairobi/Entebbe route.
Mr. Kabbs Twijukye, Uganda’s representative to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) delivering his remarks
The State Minister for Works and Transport, Hon. Fred Byamukama, in a speech read for him by Justice Kavuma, commended the Authority for these achievements, recognising the critical role of aviation in boosting tourism, trade, and socio-economic development.
He also hailed the UCAA for working tirelessly towards the election of Uganda to the International Civil Aviation Authority Organisation (ICAO).
“Uganda’s election to the ICAO Council for the 2025 – 2028 term reflects the trust and high expectations that the international community has placed in Uganda at a transformative time for global air transport. As a Council member, the State will engage with ICAO’s 193 Member States to advance ICAO’s shared vision of air transport for all by 2050; one with zero fatalities and net-zero carbon emissions, and to drive the cooperation, innovation, and talent needed to realise that vision,” Minister Byamukama said.
The Minister also hailed the leadership at UCAA for ensuring that Uganda secured the opportunity to host the 48th East African Consultative Meeting on Facilitation of Air Transport, saying, “Uganda’s hosting of the 48th East African Consultative Meeting on Facilitation of Air Transport (EAC-FAL) in November 2025, further elevated the country’s profile as a key player in the development of air transport and underscored Uganda’s strong commitment to regional aviation cooperation, improved passenger facilitation, and enhanced air transport efficiency.”