Uganda Airlines is taking flight with ambitious plans for growth and a renewed focus on supporting local businesses. The national carrier recently announced plans to invest $95 million in procurement during the 2024/25 fiscal year, with a significant portion earmarked for local suppliers.
During its first supplier forum held in Kampala, Uganda Airlines outlined its commitment to working with Ugandan companies. Chief Executive Officer Jenifer Bamuturaki highlighted the airline’s desire to see local suppliers “transform into globally competitive companies” that can meet the demands of the airline industry.
This focus on local partnerships comes alongside the airline’s projected passenger growth. Uganda Airlines expects to reach a milestone 700,000 passengers by the end of 2024, thanks to increased capacity and frequency on key routes. The airline has already seen significant growth, carrying an estimated 480,000 passengers in the previous fiscal year.
To meet the demands of its growing network, Uganda Airlines recently added a leased A320 aircraft to its fleet. This expansion allows the airline to tap into popular destinations like Nairobi, Kinshasa, and Johannesburg, while also offering more frequent flights. Passengers can expect increased service on routes to Nairobi, Kinshasa, Juba, and Dar es Salaam.
While Uganda Airlines seeks to expand its partnerships with local suppliers, quality remains a key concern. The airline has paid out Ush120 billion ($32.3 million) in local contracts over the past five years, but challenges with consistency and quality have sometimes forced them to source products abroad.
“We remain committed to working with you,” Bamuturaki assured local suppliers. “But you will need to concentrate effort on improving quality across packaging, consistency in taste and supply.”
