Entebbe Airport Hits Over 2 billion International Passenger Traffic as Jambojet Returns to Nairobi-Entebbe Route After Six Years-UCAA Director General Reports

By Abraham Lincolns | Kampala

The the Director General of Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), Mr. Fred K. Bamwesigye has informed the public that Uganda’s international passenger traffic at Entebbe has steadily grown from about 118,000 passengers recorded in 1991, to 2.48 million passengers in 2025.

Mr. Bamwesigye made these revelations while launching Jambojet, the 21st international air operator at Entebbe International Airport whose return is a clear vote of confidence in Uganda’s air transport system and demonstrates the growth of the aviation industry in the region.

UCAA was established in 1991 and it has continued expanding airport facilities to accommodate the growth with a completed new 20,000-square-metre terminal building at Entebbe and would soon be opened to the public.

The new facility includes three additional aerobridges, bringing the total to five, 24 additional check-in counters and 14 self-check-in counters expected to increase Entebbe’s annual international passenger- handling capacity from about two million to at least 3.5 million passengers once fully operational.

He added the airport’s parking system had also been upgraded with licence plate recognition, touchless interaction and mobile payment integration.

"Besides the international passenger traffic at Entebbe Airport, Uganda regained a seat on the ICAO Council, giving the country a stronger voice in global aviation decisions concerning safety, security, connectivity and sustainable development", Bamwesigye said.

He commended Uganda’s safety and security record in the aviation industry and called on Jambo Jet and all operators at Entebbe to remain firmly committed to meeting strict safety and security protocols, and delivering highly efficient services to the traveling public.

Bamwesigye said increased competition in the aviation sector could enhance efficiency and cost- effectiveness while providing passengers with greater choice.

“A vibrant aviation sector is the lifeblood of economic growth. Whenever you have competition in the aviation industry, it enhances efficiency and cost effectiveness,” he said. He said Jambojet was expected to contribute to making regional air travel more accessible to

businesspeople, families and tourists through its low-cost model emphasising that UCAA would continue holding airlines operating in Uganda to strict safety and security standards.

He said Uganda recorded an effective implementation score of 72.64 percent in the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Universal Safety Oversight Audit in 2023, compared with regional and global averages of 55 percent and 69.4 percent respectively.

In aviation security, he said Uganda achieved 81.6 percent in the ICAO security audit conducted in 2024, compared with regional and global averages of 64.5 percent and 72.36 percent.

The Authority congratulated JamboJet on the relaunch of its daily direct Nairobi–Entebbe flight, a function that was presided over by the Minister of Works and Transport, Hon. Fred Byamukama who received the flight welcomed with a water gun salute at Entebbe International Airport on October 1, 2026 at 11:15 hours.

Hon. Byamukama underscored the wider significance of the renewed connection, saying that the Aviation is not simply about transporting passengers; it connects businesses to markets, tourists to destinations, investors to opportunities and families to one another.

“Aviation is not simply about transporting passengers; it connects businesses to markets, tourists to destinations, investors to opportunities and families to one another,” he said.

The Minister added in order to further enhance connectivity with the rest of the world, Uganda has to date concluded Bilateral Air Services Agreements, with 64 countries. BASAs provide the legal framework for international air services between Uganda and partner states, including the designation of airlines, traffic rights and routes, thereby facilitating the expansion of international air connectivity.

He commended Uganda’s safety and security record in the aviation industry and called on Jambo Jet and all operators at Entebbe to remain firmly committed to meeting strict safety and security protocols, and delivering highly efficient services to the traveling public.

“First launched on the route in 2018, Jambojet returns with a strengthened network and a clear proposition: affordable fares, direct connectivity and reliable service for travellers moving between Uganda and Kenya,” said Jambo Jets’s Chief Finance Officer on behalf of the CEO Mr. Karanja Ndegwa.

JamboJet launches with one daily flight, indicating that frequencies could increase as demand grows. The airline has also highlighted its low-cost proposition and focus on reliable, direct travel.

“Today, we return to Uganda not just as an airline resuming a route, but as a mature, market-tested low-cost carrier here to stay and grow with you,” Kaviti said adding that Ugandan businesses require fast, reliable and affordable regional transport and that high airfares have historically presented a barrier to trade.

Kaviti said Jambojet would operate the route using De Havilland Canada Dash 8 Q400 aircraft, which can carry up to 82 passengers. He described the Nairobi-Entebbe route as a two-way bridge for tourism, trade and business between the two countries.

Ugandan travellers will be able to connect through Nairobi to Kenya’s coastal destinations as well as other domestic destinations, while Kenyan travellers will gain another direct option for accessing Uganda’s business centres, tourism attractions and cultural destinations. Kaviti said the airline would begin with daily service but was prepared to increase frequencies as

demand from the business community, tourism sector and other travellers grows. He thanked the Ministry of Works and Transport, UCAA, diplomatic partners, travel agencies and private-sector stakeholders for supporting Jambojet’s return.

The resumption of the Nairobi-Entebbe service adds capacity to one of East Africa’s key travel corridors and gives passengers another direct option between the two countries. The airline has also said the route will support business, tourism and trade between Uganda and Kenya.