The Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury (PSST), Ramathan Ggoobi, has hit back at critics of Uganda Airlines, stating that the national carrier is not making losses as some claim, but is instead in its investment phase—where profitability is not the primary measure of success.
Speaking during the Uganda-UK Trade and Business Forum held at Sheraton Kampala Hotel on Wednesday, Ggoobi emphasized that Uganda Airlines is generating revenue and playing a vital role in unlocking national economic potential.
“You can’t compare Uganda Airlines with Ethiopian Airlines or British Airways that have been here for decades. We are still investing in Uganda Airlines, and it’s making some revenue,” Ggoobi said, responding to continued public criticism over the airline’s balance sheet.
“After that, we will then talk about profitability,” he added, assuring both the airline and the public that government support remains strong.
He assured Uganda Airlines that government is ready to add more aircrafts including mid range, cargo and small aircrafts for domestic flights.
Ggoobi underscored the transformative power of a national carrier, linking it directly to Uganda’s ambitious economic goals.
“A National Carrier opens up multiple opportunities. I would, therefore, like to use this opportunity to call upon the local and international business community here today to explore ways of leveraging the opportunities being opened up through Uganda Airlines’ expansion to support our vision for a ten-fold increase in the Gross Domestic Product,” he urged.
His remarks came during the forum organized to discuss the economic and trade benefits of Uganda Airlines’ upcoming direct flights to London, set to launch on May 18, 2025. The event was attended by key government officials, private sector players, and trade experts.
Uganda Airlines CEO Ms. Jenifer Bamuturaki reaffirmed the strategic importance of the new route, which will connect Entebbe International Airport directly to London Gatwick.
“Our London route is of great strategic importance due to our shared history, culture, business, and social ties with the United Kingdom,” Bamuturaki said.
The United Kingdom remains a top source market for tourists visiting Uganda and a key destination for Ugandan perishable exports such as fresh produce, coffee, flowers, and fish.
Ggoobi revealed that the government is ready to invest further in Uganda Airlines by acquiring mid-range, cargo, and domestic aircraft, a move he says will expand the airline’s operational capabilities and further stimulate economic activity.
With Uganda Airlines set to operate the new London route four times a week using Airbus A330-800neo aircraft, expectations are high that the direct link will open new trade and tourism frontiers—reaffirming the airline’s role as a strategic national asset rather than a profit-driven venture in its infancy.
