Entebbe, Uganda: Uganda Airlines has signed a landmark Shs3.7 trillion (US$982 million) agreement with American aerospace giant Boeing for the acquisition of 10 new aircraft, marking the largest fleet expansion programme since the national carrier was revived in 2019.
The agreement was signed on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at State House Entebbe in the presence of President Yoweri Museveni, senior government officials, and representatives from Boeing.
The deal comprises eight passenger aircraft and two cargo freighters, significantly boosting Uganda Airlines’ passenger carrying capacity and cargo operations as the national carrier positions itself for expansion into new regional and international markets.
State House described the acquisition as a major milestone in Uganda’s aviation sector and a strategic investment aimed at strengthening the country’s global connectivity.
“President Museveni today witnessed the signing of a landmark agreement between Uganda Airlines and Boeing for the acquisition of 10 new aircraft, a major step in expanding Uganda’s aviation capacity and global connectivity,” State House said in a statement.
“The fleet expansion, which includes passenger and cargo aircraft, will strengthen trade, tourism and investment, and position Uganda as a key regional aviation hub.”
Fleet Set for Major Expansion
Under the agreement, Uganda Airlines will acquire eight Boeing passenger aircraft, each capable of carrying up to 294 passengers.
The package also includes two cargo aircraft—a Boeing 767 wide-body converted freighter and a Boeing 737 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF)—to strengthen the airline’s cargo division.
The acquisition is expected to substantially increase the airline’s fleet size and operational capacity, enabling it to serve more destinations and improve connectivity across Africa and beyond.
The new aircraft will support Uganda Airlines’ long-term growth strategy, which focuses on increasing flight frequencies, opening new routes and expanding cargo services to support Uganda’s export sector.
Strengthening Trade and Tourism
Government officials have consistently argued that a strong national carrier plays a critical role in supporting economic growth.
The expanded fleet is expected to facilitate trade, boost tourism arrivals, attract foreign investment and improve Uganda’s integration into global markets.
With cargo services becoming increasingly important for exports such as fresh produce, fish, flowers and pharmaceuticals, the addition of dedicated freighters is expected to provide new opportunities for Ugandan exporters seeking faster access to international markets.
The move also aligns with government’s broader ambition of transforming Entebbe International Airport into a major aviation and logistics hub serving East and Central Africa.
Competing With Regional Aviation Giants
Industry analysts say the Boeing acquisition significantly strengthens Uganda Airlines’ ability to compete with established regional carriers.
Airlines such as Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways and RwandAir have invested heavily in fleet expansion and route development over the last decade, enabling them to dominate regional air travel markets.
The additional aircraft are expected to give Uganda Airlines greater flexibility in scheduling, route planning and network expansion.
The national carrier currently serves 16 destinations across Africa, Europe, the Middle East and Asia, including London, Dubai, Mumbai, Johannesburg, Lagos, Abuja, Kinshasa, Juba and Nairobi.
With the expanded fleet, Uganda Airlines is expected to increase frequencies on existing routes while exploring new destinations that could further strengthen Uganda’s connectivity to global business and tourism centres.
Building on Recent Growth
Since its revival in 2019, Uganda Airlines has steadily expanded its operations and route network.
The airline currently operates a mixed fleet that includes Airbus A330-800neo aircraft for long-haul routes and Bombardier CRJ900 jets for regional operations.
Government has in recent years signaled plans to strengthen the airline through additional aircraft acquisitions aimed at supporting both passenger and cargo services.
The Boeing deal represents the most ambitious step yet in that strategy.
A Landmark Aviation Investment
At nearly Shs3.7 trillion, the agreement ranks among the largest aviation procurement deals in Uganda’s history.
The investment signals government’s confidence in the long-term viability and growth potential of the national carrier despite challenges facing the global aviation industry.
Once fully delivered, the aircraft will significantly expand Uganda Airlines’ fleet, improve cargo handling capabilities and strengthen the country’s position as an emerging aviation gateway in the region.
For Uganda’s aviation sector, the Boeing deal marks a major milestone in the country’s quest to become a regional transport, trade and logistics hub connecting Africa to the rest of the world.
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