pressug.com News 24 7
Related Articles
Viewers: 80,999
By Spy Uganda
Uganda’s aviation industry received another boost on Saturday as the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) convened the 53rd Board Air Services Licensing Committee Meeting at Protea Hotel Kampala to consider applications for new and renewed Air Service Licences.
The meeting attracted a full house of aviation stakeholders, industry players, regulators, applicants, and members of the public, underscoring growing confidence in Uganda’s expanding aviation sector.
A total of 15 applications were reviewed during the session, comprising 10 new applications and five renewals. The applicants presented proposals covering a wide range of aviation services, including scheduled and non-scheduled passenger transport, cargo operations, aerial work, flight training, and private aviation services.
Among the new applicants seeking licences were Cubic Air SMC Limited, Misk Air Limited, Flight Training Centre, Premier Airlines Limited, Ubuntu Air Limited, Asante Aviation Limited, Mungufeni Aviation Uganda Limited, Arasus Aviation Limited, and Air Serv Limited. Kampala Executive Aviation also applied for a new cargo licence while seeking renewal of its passenger operations licence.
Renewal applications were submitted by Transafrik Uganda Limited, Grand Air Services Limited, Eagle Air Limited, and AIM Air.
Speaking at the opening of the meeting, UCAA Acting Director General Mrs. Olive Birungi Lumonya said the strong turnout and growing number of applications reflected increasing investor confidence in Uganda’s aviation industry.
“This meeting is an important statutory process through which the Authority engages stakeholders and discharges its mandate of regulating and licensing air transport services in Uganda,” she said.
Mrs. Lumonya highlighted the sector’s continued recovery and growth, revealing that Entebbe International Airport handled 189,130 international passengers in April 2026, with arrivals and departures almost evenly split. Cargo volumes also remained strong, with total throughput reaching 4,823 metric tonnes during the month.
She attributed part of the positive performance to improved regional connectivity and the gradual reopening of Middle Eastern airspace following earlier disruptions.
The Acting Director General also outlined several major infrastructure projects being undertaken by Government to strengthen Uganda’s aviation network. These include the ongoing expansion and modernization of Entebbe International Airport, the development of six priority regional airports, and the construction of Kidepo International Airport in Karenga District.
Commissioned by President Yoweri Museveni on June 5, 2026, the Kidepo International Airport project is valued at more than USD 72 million and is expected to significantly boost tourism, trade, and investment in the Karamoja sub-region.
Mrs. Lumonya further reported that Phase I of Kabalega International Airport is now 98 percent complete and expected to be finalized by July 31, 2026, while construction of the passenger terminal under Phase II has been accelerated in preparation for Uganda’s hosting of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Addressing the gathering, UCAA Board Chairperson Hon. Justice Dr. Steven B.K. Kavuma described the annual licensing forum as a critical platform for promoting the orderly development of Uganda’s aviation industry.
“The continued interest by operators in obtaining Air Service Licences is a strong indicator of confidence in Uganda’s aviation sector and its future prospects,” he said.
Dr. Kavuma noted that Uganda currently has 25 licensed air operators providing a range of services and has signed Air Services Agreements with 64 countries, strengthening international connectivity and facilitating trade, tourism, and investment.
He added that 20 international airlines currently operate scheduled services to and from Entebbe International Airport, connecting Uganda to major destinations across Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
The Board Chairperson also applauded the growth of Uganda Airlines, which now serves 15 international destinations and has been designated to operate to 23 destinations under various bilateral air service agreements.
As the licensing review process continues, UCAA reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a transparent, fair, and competitive regulatory environment while supporting the growth of a safe, secure, and sustainable aviation industry.
The outcomes of the licence applications will be communicated after the Board completes its review process in accordance with the Civil Aviation (Licensing of Air Services) Regulations.
The meeting marks another significant step in Uganda’s efforts to position itself as a regional aviation hub through enhanced connectivity, strategic infrastructure investments, and a supportive regulatory framework.
, https://www.spyuganda.com/ucaa-reviews-15-air-service-licence-applications-amid-growing-confidence-in-ugandas-aviation-sector/
