Emirates Airlines has marked 25 years of operations in Uganda with renewed calls for greater liberalization of Africa’s aviation industry through the implementation of open skies policies.
Speaking at the anniversary celebration held at Entebbe International Airport, Emirates Country Manager Mohammed Taher urged African governments to fully embrace the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) initiative, saying it would remove unnecessary barriers, enhance connectivity, and unlock immense economic opportunities.
“Uganda is not only a key market on our network but also one of our most loved destinations in Africa,” Taher said. “We are proud to play a pivotal role in connecting international travelers to Uganda and helping passengers from Uganda explore more of the world in comfort.”
The event featured a special one-off flight showcasing Emirates’ newly configured four-class Boeing 777, which includes the Premium Economy cabin—unveiled in Uganda for the first time.
Uganda’s Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, and Uganda Civil Aviation Authority Director General Fred Bamwesigye officiated at the ceremony and toured the aircraft.
Katumba Wamala hailed the arrival of Emirates’ latest aircraft as a strong vote of confidence in Uganda’s aviation infrastructure and security. “The fact that Emirates can bring their newest, most sophisticated aircraft and next-generation cabins here to Entebbe is a vote of confidence in our aviation sector,” he said.
The Minister, however, challenged local players to take advantage of the airline’s expanded cargo capacity. “It won’t make sense for Emirates to operate these large aircraft if they only bring in passengers. They need to go back with a substantial amount of cargo,” he said, urging exporters to increase shipments of high-value and perishable goods.
Since launching in 2000, Emirates has transported over 2.8 million passengers on the Dubai–Entebbe route, connecting Ugandan travelers to more than 140 global destinations. The airline began with three weekly flights via Nairobi and Addis Ababa, before launching direct Entebbe services in 2007.
Today, Emirates operates a three-class Boeing 777-300ER, the only aircraft offering First Class service on any international route in and out of Uganda — a milestone that underscores its continued investment in the country’s aviation landscape.