Emirates marked a milestone in Uganda on Thursday, celebrating 25 years of service to the country with a show of strength — and style. The Dubai-based airline flew in one of its refurbished Boeing 777s to Entebbe International Airport, part of a $5 billion global retrofit program that underscores its bet on both comfort and longevity in air travel.
It was a symbolic gesture, but also a statement of confidence in Uganda’s aviation sector. Since its first flight to Entebbe in 2000, Emirates has carried about 2.8 million passengers on the route, linking Ugandan travelers to more than 140 destinations across six continents.
The celebration drew top officials, including Uganda’s Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, and the head of the Civil Aviation Authority, Fred Bamwesigye, who toured the aircraft’s new four-class layout — complete with the Premium Economy cabin being introduced to Uganda for the first time.
Katumba Wamala called the event a clear endorsement of Uganda’s progress in aviation security and infrastructure.
“The fact that Emirates can bring their newest, most sophisticated aircraft and next-generation cabins here to Entebbe is a vote of confidence in our security, our infrastructure, and the health of our sector,” he said.
He also urged Ugandan businesses to take advantage of the route’s potential beyond passenger travel. “It won’t make sense for Emirates to operate these large aircraft if they only bring in passengers,” he said. “They need to go back with a substantial amount of cargo. Our focus, therefore, must be on improving our processes to handle high-value, high-volume exports — especially perishable goods.”
Emirates’ relationship with Uganda has evolved over time — from three weekly flights via Nairobi and Addis Ababa in the early 2000s to direct daily services that began in 2012. It remains the only international carrier offering a First Class cabin to and from Entebbe.
For Emirates, Uganda’s importance is both strategic and sentimental. “Uganda is a vital market for both passengers and cargo,” said Rashid Alardha, the airline’s vice president for commercial operations in Sub-Saharan Africa.
“Over the last 25 years, we have built strong and prosperous ties with customers, partners and stakeholders by investing in our operations to provide a best-in-class service,” added Mohamed Taher, Emirates’ country manager for Uganda.
That investment has also extended to tourism. Through a partnership with the Uganda Tourism Board, Emirates has promoted the country’s attractions abroad — from gorilla trekking to the Nile’s source — and organized familiarization trips for tour operators across the Middle East, India, and Asia. The airline reports a 16 percent rise in passengers on the Dubai-Entebbe route since January, fueled by demand from the U.S., China, India, and the U.K.
Globally, Emirates operates 265 aircraft and has ordered 309 more — a signal, executives say, of faith in the future of travel. Its ongoing retrofit program will update 219 of its A380 and Boeing 777 jets, with 73 already completed. Uganda, along with other destinations, is expected to benefit as the rollout continues.
Sustainability has also become part of the airline’s pitch. Emirates has pledged $200 million toward renewable energy initiatives and is expanding its use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel, already in use at airports in Amsterdam and Singapore.
Beyond the runway, the airline has invested in community programs. Its “Dubai 7s for Good” initiative raised roughly 587 million Ugandan shillings ($169,000) last year to support infrastructure and sports facilities at North Road Primary School. The airline employs more than 25 Ugandan cabin crew and runs a local office staffed mostly by Ugandans.
“Uganda is not only a key market on our network, but also one of our most loved destinations in Africa,” Taher said. “We are proud to play a pivotal role in connecting international travellers to the country and helping passengers from Uganda explore more of the world in comfort.”
At the airport, Bamwesigye of the Civil Aviation Authority said Emirates’ presence has strengthened Entebbe’s position as a regional hub. “Emirates has significantly contributed to the growth of passenger and cargo traffic at Entebbe International Airport with a strong market share,” he said, adding that the authority “is committed to the continuous support of Emirates’ growth and success.”
For Uganda, the milestone wasn’t just about a silver anniversary — it was a sign that the country’s skies are still opening wider.
