Victoria University applauds Uganda airlines after launching first direct flight to UK

19 May 2025, 7:42 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

As one of the strategies to expand Uganda Airlines’ routes, yesterday, the Airline launched its direct flight to London. A ceremony which was held at Entebbe international airport and several dignitaries, graced the event. The flights are between Entebbe international airport and London’s Gatwick airport. Marking a major milestone in the national carrier’s expansion strategy and reinforcing growing connectivity between Uganda and United kingdom (UK). This route is quick succession to the triple launch of Abuja, Lusaka and Harare, which were launched in the second half of 2024, and are key points to feeding the hub in Entebbe. The inaugural flight departed Entebbe international airport at 09:25 AM local time yesterday, and arrived at Gatwick at 05:01 PM local time.

The nonstop service will operate four times weekly; Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday with same duty return departures from London. The route is operated by Uganda Airlines’ State of the art Airbus A33 – 800neo . Offering long haul comfort, fuel efficiency and elevated passenger experience. In her submission, the chief executive officer (CEO) of Uganda Airlines, Jenifer Bamuturaki, thanked government of Uganda and all the stakeholders who have worked tirelessly to make sure that the milestone is achieved. “This route connects Uganda to one of the world’s busiest and most strategic aviation hubs. On the return leg flight, times are carefully synchronized to ensure smooth connections across our growing African network linking passengers from London to key destinations in East, Central and West Africa,” she said.

The launch came amid growing trades and tourism ties between Uganda and the United kingdom. According to data from the British High commission in Kampala, total trade between the two countries reached GBP 860 million in 2023, while Uganda’s cumulative exports to the United kingdom, over the past five years amounted to GBP 2.3 billion. The Minister of Works and Transport, Hon. Katumba Wamala said that it was more than a flight. “It is a bridge for business investment, and people to people connections when the president of Uganda, Yoweri Museveni, championed the renewal of Uganda Airlines in 2015. His vision was to full realisation. The direct service to London Gatwick launch, brings that vision closer to full realisation but direct service to London Gatwick enables a faster more efficient movement of people and goods by eliminating layovers,” he said.

In the same spirit, the Vice Chancellor of Victoria University, Kampala, Dr. Lawrence Muganga, joined others to congratulate Uganda Airlines for the great achievement. “History made, Uganda airlines has safely touched down at London Gatwick airport at Exactly 17:01 marking its first ever landing on United Kingdom soil. A proud moment for Uganda and a giant leap in connecting our pearl of Africa to the world. Congratulations to Uganda airlines for making the dream flight,” he said. Additionally, the university also officially congratulated Uganda airlines for making history.