Entebbe, Uganda — Emirates has celebrated 25 years of service to Uganda, marking the milestone with the display of its newly refurbished Boeing 777 aircraft part of the airline’s $5 billion global fleet retrofit program and a renewed pledge to support Uganda’s tourism and economic growth.
Since launching its inaugural flight to Entebbe in 2000, the Dubai-based carrier has transported 2.8 million passengers on the route, connecting Ugandans and visitors to more than 140 destinations worldwide.
The anniversary was commemorated at Entebbe International Airport with a special one-off flight showcasing Emirates’ upgraded four-class Boeing 777, featuring the Premium Economy cabin unveiled in Uganda for the first time. The event was attended by key stakeholders including Minister of Works and Transport Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala and Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) Director General Fred Bamwesigye.
Minister Katumba Wamala described the event as “a clear sign of confidence” in Uganda’s aviation sector, praising Emirates for introducing its most modern aircraft to the Entebbe route. “The fact that Emirates can bring their newest, most sophisticated aircraft here is a vote of confidence in our security, our infrastructure, and the health of our aviation sector,” he said.
He also urged local stakeholders to boost exports to match growing passenger traffic. “It won’t make sense for Emirates to operate large aircraft if they only bring in passengers. We need to ensure they depart with substantial cargo especially high-value and perishable goods,” he said.
Emirates’ presence in Uganda has expanded from three weekly flights via Nairobi and Addis Ababa to a direct daily service introduced in 2012. The airline remains the only international carrier offering a First Class cabin to and from Entebbe.
Rashid Alardha, Emirates’ Vice President of Commercial Operations for Sub-Saharan Africa, described Uganda as a “vital market for both passengers and cargo.” Mohamed Taher, Emirates’ Country Manager for Uganda, added that the airline has “built strong and prosperous ties with customers and partners through consistent investment and service excellence.”
As part of its commitment to tourism, Emirates renewed its partnership with the Uganda Tourism Board last year, organizing familiarization trips for tour operators from the Middle East, West Asia, and the Indian Ocean to promote Uganda’s attractions. The airline has reported a 16% increase in passenger numbers on the Dubai-Entebbe route since January 2025, driven by demand from the U.S., China, India, and the U.K.
Emirates currently operates a fleet of 265 aircraft and has 309 more on order, underscoring its confidence in the future of global air travel. Its $5 billion retrofit initiative will upgrade 219 A380s and Boeing 777s, with 73 aircraft already completed. Uganda is among the destinations expected to benefit from the modernized fleet.
On sustainability, Emirates has invested $200 million in renewable energy projects and is expanding its use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), which it already purchases at airports such as Amsterdam and Singapore. The airline also supports local communities through initiatives like the “Dubai 7s for Good” program, which raised UGX 587 million in 2024 for infrastructure and sports projects at North Road Primary School.
The airline employs over 25 Ugandan cabin crew members and a largely Ugandan local office team.
“Uganda is not only a key market but one of our most cherished destinations in Africa,” Taher said. “We’re proud to connect Uganda to the world and to contribute to its growth in tourism, trade, and connectivity.”
UCAA Director General Fred Bamwesigye commended Emirates for its long-term partnership. “Emirates has significantly contributed to the growth of passenger and cargo traffic at Entebbe International Airport, maintaining a strong market share,” he said, pledging continued institutional support for the airline’s success.