Entebbe – Uganda Airlines is moving forward with plans to build a maintenance hangar and cargo warehouse at Entebbe International Airport, aimed at reducing operational costs, improving efficiency, and supporting the airline’s growing domestic and international operations.
Speaking on the development, CEO Jennifer Bamuturaki stressed the strategic importance of these infrastructure projects for the airline’s long-term sustainability.
“One of our future priorities is to build a maintenance hangar and cargo warehouse at Entebbe. This will reduce costs and improve efficiency,” Bamuturaki said.
Maintenance Hangar
Bamuturaki highlighted the need for Uganda Airlines to perform more complex maintenance inspections in-country, including six-year checks, which currently rely on foreign facilities.
Peter Emuge, Head of Maintenance & Engineering, added that while the airline’s line maintenance capabilities are strong, establishing a dedicated hangar will allow it to expand into base maintenance, perform deeper inspections, and eventually serve other airlines in the region.
“Future plans include upgrading our facilities to handle more complex inspections and positioning Uganda Airlines’ AMO not just to serve our fleet, but eventually to serve other airlines in the region,” Emuge said.
Joseph Lukwago, Head of Line Maintenance, noted that a dedicated hangar would consolidate maintenance operations under one roof, streamline workflow, and enhance the airline’s ability to perform both line and base maintenance on-site.
“Having our own hangar allows us to manage maintenance efficiently, saving costs and improving service quality,” Lukwago said.
Cargo Warehouse
The airline also plans to establish a cargo warehouse to support its growing freight operations, including perishables from key international markets such as London, Dubai, and India.
Bamuturaki explained that the warehouse would strengthen logistics, streamline cargo handling, and create opportunities for Uganda Airlines to offer third-party cargo services, generating additional revenue.
Emuge confirmed that the warehouse would improve inventory management and support both internal operations and potential third-party cargo handling. Lukwago added that structured storage facilities would reduce operational delays and enhance the airline’s international freight business.
“Having our own hangar and cargo facilities allows us to manage maintenance and cargo efficiently, saving costs and improving service quality,” Lukwago said.
Strategic Impact
These infrastructure investments are expected to not only serve Uganda Airlines’ fleet but also position the national carrier as a regional maintenance and cargo hub, strengthening its competitive position in East Africa and beyond.
Board Swearing-In and Strategic Priorities
Seven new members of the Uganda Airlines board have taken the oath of office for a three-year term, presided over by State Minister for Transport Hon. Fred Byamukama.
The new board is chaired by Priscilla Mirembe Sseruka, with members including Barbara Namugambe, Herbert Kamuntu, Samson Rwabwire, Constant Othieno Mayende, Abdul Karim Omoding, and Patrick Ocailap.
In her inaugural remarks, Ms. Sseruka emphasized strengthening Uganda Airlines’ growth, expanding its route network, and acquiring additional aircraft over the next three years.
“Our priorities include implementing a 10-year corporate strategy aligned with the NDP IV, increasing our fleet, expanding routes, reducing losses, and strengthening human capital,” she said.
Minister Byamukama underscored the airline’s importance to Uganda’s economy: “Uganda Airlines is very dear to H.E. Kaguta Museveni because he understood that establishing it would provide social and economic benefits by boosting tourism, trade, and economic growth.”
