Uganda Airlines CEO Explains Flight Disruptions, Assures Passengers of Stabilisation Efforts

Uganda Airlines has acknowledged recent disruptions to its flight operations, attributing the delays and cancellations to technical challenges within its fleet, and has assured passengers that efforts are underway to restore normal schedules.

In a public notice dated December 13, 2025, the national carrier apologised to affected travellers, noting that it was “focused on resolving the situation and ensuring the full restoration of regular service.” The airline advised customers seeking updates on schedule changes to contact its Global Call Centre on (+256) 200 406 400.

Speaking on the matter, Uganda Airlines Chief Executive Officer Jenifer Bamuturaki dismissed reports suggesting that the airline’s long-haul operations had been completely grounded.

“It is not true that we were stuck both in Lagos and London. As we speak, the Airbus flight from London landed about an hour and a half ago,” Bamuturaki said.

She explained that the disruptions stem mainly from technical issues affecting a small fleet. Uganda Airlines currently operates seven aircraft, and grounding even a few has significant ripple effects.

“When you have two aircraft out, that immediately creates a knock-on effect. This leads to flight delays and, in some cases, cancellations. That is really what is driving the situation,” she said.

Bamuturaki also pointed to industry-wide operational constraints, including NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen), which regulate landing and take-off windows at many regional airports.

“Once you experience a delay at one airport, it affects how you land or depart at another, especially when you are already operating with fewer aircraft. This compounds the delays across the network,” she explained.

UPDATE: Uganda Airlines has explained recent flight delays, citing fleet disruptions caused by a grounded Airbus aircraft. CEO Jenifer Bamuturaki says teams are working to stabilise operations and restore normal schedules. pic.twitter.com/BH7g3cCRzJ

— UBC UGANDA (@ubctvuganda) December 15, 2025

Acknowledging passenger frustration, particularly during the busy holiday season, the CEO said the airline understands the disappointment many travellers have expressed.

“This is a peak travel period, with families coming home for Christmas and children finishing school. We acknowledge that we are letting down many of our customers, and these disruptions are understandably frustrating,” Bamuturaki said.

She added that public criticism, while difficult, reflects a strong public attachment to the national carrier. “The fact that people are upset shows they care deeply about Uganda Airlines. That makes communication and transparency even more important as we manage customer expectations.”

To mitigate the situation, Bamuturaki said the airline is taking steps to protect its schedules and is working with partner airlines to manage capacity during the high season.

Meanwhile, industry voices have urged the public to view the situation in context. Ron Kazooba Kawamara, Vice Chairman of the Uganda Tourism Board, said aircraft-related disruptions are a global aviation reality, particularly for airlines operating smaller fleets.

“Any airline with a limited fleet is vulnerable when an aircraft undergoes unavoidable maintenance. This is not unique to Uganda Airlines,” Kawamara said, noting that regional carriers such as Kenya Airways face similar challenges.

He argued that Uganda Airlines’ core challenge lies in fleet expansion rather than management shortcomings. “The airline urgently needs additional aircraft, but global manufacturer backlogs and funding delays are structural constraints, not operational incompetence,” he said.