Overview:
The agreements pave the way for greater air connectivity, trade, and tourism between Uganda and two key global regions—South America and the Middle East. The new pact with Argentina marks Uganda’s first aviation framework with the South American nation, opening possibilities for direct or code-shared flights linking the continents.
Uganda has taken another major stride in expanding its global aviation footprint by concluding a new Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) with the Republic of Argentina and signing a reviewed BASA with Qatar.
The milestone was reached during the ongoing ICAO Air Services Negotiation (ICAN2025) forum, taking place in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, from November 10 to 14, 2025.
The agreements pave the way for greater air connectivity, trade, and tourism between Uganda and two key global regions—South America and the Middle East. The new pact with Argentina marks Uganda’s first aviation framework with the South American nation, opening possibilities for direct or code-shared flights linking the continents.
“This achievement reinforces Uganda’s commitment to strengthening its international aviation partnerships and unlocking new opportunities for business and travel,” said Ms. Olive Birungi Lumonya, the Deputy Director General of the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), who is leading the Ugandan delegation at ICAN2025.
The Ugandan team—comprising officials from the Ministry of Works and Transport, Uganda Civil Aviation Authority, and Uganda Airlines—is continuing bilateral discussions with other states on the sidelines of the global event. These engagements aim to bolster Uganda’s participation in the international air transport market and advance the country’s strategic vision for air transport-driven economic growth.
Organized annually by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the ICAN forum serves as a global marketplace for states to negotiate and modernize air services agreements. Uganda’s active participation in ICAN2025 demonstrates its drive to position Entebbe International Airport as a regional hub for connectivity across Africa, the Middle East, and beyond.
With these new partnerships, Uganda continues to build a robust framework for aviation cooperation—laying the foundation for expanded routes, increased investment, and stronger people-to-people exchanges between continents.