The Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Henry Musasizi, has urged the management and Board of Directors of Uganda Airlines to adopt a private sector business model as part of broader reforms aimed at transforming the national carrier into a profitable, reliable, and world-class airline.
The call was made during a meeting held on Friday with the Uganda Airlines Board and Management to review the airline’s ten-year strategic direction. Uganda Airlines, which is wholly owned by the Government of Uganda, is expected to play a key role in supporting the country’s tenfold economic growth strategy.
The Uganda Airlines delegation was led by Board Chairperson Priscilla Mirembe Serukka and Acting Chief Executive Officer Girma Wake. Also in attendance were the Minister of State for Privatization and Investment, Hon. Evelyn Anite Aminah Zawedde Mukalazi, and the Deputy Secretary to the Treasury, Patrick Ocailap, who serves on the airline’s Board.
Hon. Musasizi emphasized the need for the airline to implement strategic reforms that promote efficiency, commercial competitiveness, and long-term financial sustainability.
He noted that embracing a private sector approach would enhance operational performance, improve service delivery, and position Uganda Airlines as a major contributor to national development.
During the meeting, Acting CEO Girma Wake presented an update on the airline’s operations and outlined several new developments, including the introduction of a revised flight schedule that took effect on 1 July 2026. He also revealed plans to expand the airline’s network by launching new routes to Accra and Kigali.
However, Girma highlighted several operational challenges affecting the airline, including the suspension of Dubai flights due to regional conflict, rising global fuel prices, and the impact of the Ebola outbreak on travel demand.
He further appealed for the establishment of a specialized procurement framework to facilitate aircraft acquisition, leasing arrangements, and the procurement of aviation-specific goods and services, arguing that such reforms would improve efficiency and reduce procurement delays.
Board Chairperson Priscilla Mirembe Serukka said Uganda Airlines has successfully evolved from a market-entry startup into a strong regional competitor, currently commanding approximately 27 percent of the market share at Entebbe International Airport.
She, however, stressed the need for recapitalization to enable the airline to acquire additional aircraft, meet growing passenger demand, expand its route network, and improve operational reliability.
The meeting underscored the government’s commitment to strengthening Uganda Airlines through strategic reforms, improved governance, and sustainable investment to ensure the national carrier remains competitive within the regional and international aviation industry.