A new chapter in Uganda–United Kingdom relations was ushered in at the Uganda-UK Trade and Business Forum, held at the Sheraton Hotel’s Rwenzori Ballroom, where key government and business leaders emphasised the strategic importance of nonstop air connectivity, trade synergies, and cultural ties.
Speaking at the forum, Ms. Jenifer Bamuturaki, CEO of Uganda Airlines, underscored the importance of the new direct flight route to London.
“Our London route is of great strategic importance due to our shared history, culture, business and social ties with the United Kingdom,” she said.
Bamuturaki further noted that such forums allow for “meaningful dialogue and engagement to refine Uganda Airlines’ offerings as we expand in the transportation industry.”
The significance of air connectivity was echoed by H.E. Lisa Chesney MBE, British High Commissioner to Uganda, who welcomed the new route as a game changer.
“With direct flights, we can streamline cargo transport, making it easier and faster for fresh Ugandan products such as fish, coffee, fruits and vegetables to reach the UK market in the shortest time possible.”
She added, “With direct flights, we can connect those on the bustling streets of London to the impenetrable forests of Bwindi. We can foster stronger ties between our people and our cultures.”
Injecting some humour, Chesney added, “Believe me, we need your fruits and vegetables! If you’ve been to the UK, you’ll know we specialise in flavourless potatoes. UK shoppers will thank me when those giant Ugandan avocados hit the shelves!”
Hon. Fred Byamukama, Minister of State for Works and Transport, hailed the upcoming Uganda Airlines service to London Gatwick as “more than just a new route — it’s a bridge between Uganda and the United Kingdom.”
“This connection strengthens bilateral trade, supports our exporters—especially in agriculture and perishables—and unlocks new opportunities for tourism, business, and cultural exchange,” he noted.
Ramathan Ggoobi, Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury at the Ministry of Finance, positioned the airline’s expansion within Uganda’s broader economic strategy.
“A National Carrier opens up multiple opportunities. I would, therefore, like to call upon the local and international business community here today to explore ways of leveraging the opportunities being opened up through Uganda Airlines’ expansion,” Ggoobi stated.
He tied the forum’s themes to the National Development Plan IV (NDP-IV), Uganda’s roadmap to increasing GDP tenfold—from USD 50 billion to USD 500 billion—by 2040.
Uganda’s economic growth trajectory was a key highlight. “GDP growth reached 6.7% by the end of FY 2023/24,” said Ggoobi, citing expansion from UGX 183 trillion (USD 48.8 billion) in FY 2022/23 to UGX 202.13 trillion (USD 53.2 billion) in FY 2023/24.
The event celebrated not just trade numbers, but also deep-rooted cultural bonds.
“Over 16,000 Ugandan Asians who were expelled in 1972 have since built a thriving community in the UK. Now is the time to reconnect, revive old ties, and foster new opportunities through trade and travel,” said Stephen Asiimwe, CEO of the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU).
With support from key partners like UK Export Finance (UKEF), TradeMark Africa, and Standard Chartered Bank, Uganda aims to solidify its position as a regional logistics hub with global reach.
