Uganda showcases investment opportunities to UK ahead of flight

KAMPALA — Uganda showcased its investment opportunities to British government and business leaders at a forum Wednesday in Kampala, ahead of Uganda Airlines’ inaugural direct flight to London Gatwick next month.

The Uganda-UK Trade and Business Forum, hosted by the national carrier, aimed to spur trade, tourism, and investment between the two nations. The event, held at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel, drew high-level representatives from both countries and focused on sectors including tourism, trade, agro-processing, mining, financial services, and infrastructure development.

Jennifer Bamuturaki, CEO of Uganda Airlines, emphasized the strategic importance of the upcoming London route, the only direct air link between Uganda and the UK. She highlighted the reduced travel time and significant cargo capacity the service will offer.

Ramathan Ggoobi, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, underscored the route’s role in Uganda’s broader economic development goals, aiming to significantly expand the national economy by 2040. He projected substantial growth in cargo revenue for the airline due to the new connection.

British High Commissioner to Uganda Lisa Chesney expressed enthusiasm for the strengthening bilateral ties, noting the direct flights would facilitate faster trade of Ugandan goods like coffee and fresh produce to the UK. She also addressed UK visa concerns and highlighted the UK’s trade benefits for Uganda through its Developing Countries Trading Scheme and ongoing investment initiatives.

The forum also saw Uganda Airlines launch the Victoria Nile Carbon Initiative, a voluntary carbon offsetting program for travelers, with proceeds benefiting Lake Victoria’s restoration.

The direct Entebbe-London flight is scheduled to begin on May 18, 2025.