KAMPALA, Uganda – Victoria University announced its participation in the UK-Uganda Trade and Business Forum, an event held as Uganda Airlines inaugurated its direct flight from Entebbe to London Gatwick on Sunday, May 18.

“This historic event marks a new chapter in strengthening trade, education, and business ties between Uganda and the UK,” the university stated in a Facebook post. Its involvement “reflects our commitment to global engagement and creating new opportunities for our students, partners, and the wider community.”

The inaugural flight, Uganda Airlines’ first direct service to Europe, departed Entebbe International Airport at 9:25 a.m. local time, landing at London Gatwick at 4:55 p.m. The airline will operate the route four times weekly — on Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays — with same-day return departures from London, using its Airbus A330-800neo aircraft.

Uganda Airlines CEO Jenifer Bamuturaki referred to the launch as “a pivotal milestone” for the airline during the inaugural ceremony. “With today’s departure, we officially transition from our establishment phase into a new chapter of long-term growth and expansion,” Bamuturaki said. She added that the return flight would incorporate a blend of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and conventional Jet A-1 fuel, which she described as “taking a meaningful step toward the industry’s Net Zero goals.”

Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, Uganda’s Minister of Works and Transport, called the launch “a very important milestone” and “a new chapter in Uganda’s aviation story.”

“This is more than just an air route; it’s a bridge between Uganda and one of the world’s most important commercial, tourism, and diaspora hubs,” Wamala stated. He acknowledged demand from Ugandans in the UK for a direct connection, stating, “For years, Ugandans in the UK have asked, ‘When will we have a direct flight home?’ Well, I’m proud to say the wait is over. Uganda Airlines has answered that call for a route that has been underserved for a long time.”

Wamala also discussed potential benefits for trade, tourism, and investment. “This route opens new doors for trade, tourism, and investment,” Wamala said. “It means faster cargo delivery for our exporters, easier travel for our diaspora, and one more reason for the world to come and discover the Pearl of Africa.” He confirmed that the inaugural flight carried both cargo and passengers, which he said showed “the existing hunger in the market for this kind of service.” Wamala thanked President Yoweri Museveni and the Uganda Airlines team.

British High Commissioner to Uganda, Lisa Chesney, commented on the timing of the new service for trade relations. “There is no better time to be launching this flight than now when our two countries are committed to fostering stronger trade and economic ties,” Chesney said. She noted the potential for increased trade through streamlined cargo transport, citing opportunities for “fresh Ugandan products such as fish, coffee, fruits & vegetables and flowers to reach the UK market.”

Chesney stated that UK-Uganda trade was worth about 600 million pounds (approximately 3 trillion UGX) in 2024 and suggested potential for growth. She acknowledged “the dedication, hard work and collaborations between teams in Uganda and in the UK” in establishing the route. The High Commissioner boarded the inaugural flight, noting its purpose to promote Uganda and its investment opportunities in London, including through events like the East Africa Trade and Investment Forum. Permanent Secretary/Secretary to the Treasury, Ramathan Ggoobi, also joined the inaugural flight.

Uganda Airlines, the national carrier of Uganda, began commercial operations in August 2019 and currently offers scheduled flights to 16 destinations across Africa.