By Spy Uganda
The Ministry of Works and Transport has requested a UGX 1.696 trillion supplementary budget to kick-start Uganda Airlines’ ambitious fleet expansion plan, including UGX 422.264 billion earmarked as an initial payment for the acquisition of ten new aircraft.
The request was presented to Parliament’s Budget Committee on December 1, 2025, by Works and Transport Minister Gen. Katumba Wamala during the committee’s review of the supplementary schedule ahead of its consideration in tomorrow’s plenary.
According to Minister Katumba, Uganda Airlines intends to acquire a mix of aircraft to strengthen both its passenger and cargo services. The proposed fleet includes four mid-range or narrow-body Airbus jets, four long-haul Boeing aircraft, and two Boeing-converted freighters to boost cargo operations. The supplementary funding covers projected initial obligations for FY 2025/2026, including pre-delivery payments of UGX 247.019 billion at contract signing and an additional UGX 275.245 billion due in January 2026.
He emphasized the importance of securing aircraft slots early, noting that global demand for new aircraft remains extremely high. “We are buying these aircraft now, but companies like Qatar have ordered 465 planes from Boeing. If you don’t pay for your slot, you may never get one. Securing our slot ensures Uganda progresses steadily with payments,” he said.
During the session, MPs welcomed the vision of strengthening the national carrier but raised questions about the timing and planning of the request. Otuke County MP Paul Omara encouraged Uganda Airlines’ management to maintain strong technical support systems to ensure new aircraft remain fully operational throughout their lifespan.
Shadow Finance Minister Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda also supported the principle of a strong national airline but wondered why such a major investment did not appear in the original 2025/26 budget. “Since when did this become an emergency? Was this planned or discovered along the way?” he asked, calling for clearer long-term budgeting.
Other MPs—including Mityana North’s Kibedi Nsegumire and Bugabula North’s Maurice Kibalya—highlighted the importance of continued performance improvements at the airline, noting concerns raised by travelers about delays and cancellations. Kibalya proposed that the acquisition could be phased to allow for seamless absorption of the new fleet.
Minister Katumba assured the committee that the airline is well-positioned to upscale its operations, explaining that current constraints reflect the limited size of the fleet rather than managerial weaknesses. He noted that Uganda Airlines is already responsible for between 38 and 40 percent of all traffic through Entebbe International Airport.
Uganda Airlines CEO Jenifer Bamuturaki addressed concerns about delays, clarifying that most disruptions arise from unavoidable external factors such as airport maintenance activities and “no-term” operational notices issued by civil aviation authorities in Entebbe, Bujumbura, Juba, and Dar es Salaam. “These notices require schedule adjustments, which naturally affect our operations. They are beyond the airline’s direct control,” she explained.
The Budget Committee will continue its review before forwarding the supplementary request for approval. MPs emphasized the need for transparency and strong oversight as Uganda Airlines enters a new phase of expansion aimed at enhancing national connectivity and competitiveness.
