Uganda Airlines has signed a landmark agreement with American aircraft manufacturer Boeing for the acquisition of 10 new aircraft as part of an ambitious plan to expand its fleet, strengthen cargo operations and position Uganda as a leading aviation hub in East Africa.
The agreement was signed on Wednesday, June 10 in the presence of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and senior Boeing officials. According to Uganda’s State House, the deal is expected to enhance trade, tourism and investment while improving regional and international connectivity.
The aircraft acquisition package is valued at approximately 3.7 trillion Ugandan shillings (about US$985 million) and represents one of the largest investments in the national carrier since its revival in 2019.
Under the agreement, Uganda Airlines will acquire four Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners for long-haul passenger services, four Boeing 737 MAX aircraft for regional and medium-haul routes, and two dedicated cargo aircraft comprising a Boeing 767 converted freighter and a Boeing 737 converted freighter.
Industry observers say the acquisition will significantly boost the airline’s operational capacity. The addition of the Dreamliners is expected to strengthen long-haul services and provide greater flexibility on intercontinental routes, while the 737 MAX aircraft will support growing demand on key African and Middle Eastern routes.
The cargo component of the order is also seen as a strategic move. The dedicated freighters will enable Uganda Airlines to expand the transportation of exports such as fresh produce, flowers, fish and pharmaceuticals, reducing reliance on passenger aircraft cargo space and supporting the country’s export sector.
The fleet expansion comes at a time when Uganda Airlines is seeking to recover from operational challenges that affected parts of its network earlier this year, including temporary disruptions to long-haul services. The carrier recently leased Boeing 737-800 aircraft from Ethiopian Airlines to strengthen regional operations while pursuing its longer-term fleet growth strategy.
Once delivered, the new aircraft will substantially increase the size of Uganda Airlines’ fleet and support the government’s broader objective of expanding direct international connections, boosting tourism and trade, and establishing Entebbe as a key aviation gateway for the region.
Uganda Airlines Chief Executive Officer Girma Wake signed the agreement on behalf of the national carrier, while Boeing was represented by Senior Vice-President for Commercial Sales and Marketing Brad McMullen.
