Uganda Airlines is once again under public scrutiny following a week marked by flight delays and cancellations, largely attributed to technical faults that grounded key aircraft and exposed the carrier’s limited fleet capacity during the busy holiday travel season.
The disruptions were most visible at Entebbe International Airport, where passengers experienced delayed departures and cancellations after an Airbus A330neo developed technical problems in Lagos, while a CRJ regional jet was also taken out of service. Airspace restrictions at several regional airports and increased Christmas travel demand compounded the situation.
In a public notice dated December 13, 2025, Uganda Airlines acknowledged the operational challenges and apologised to affected passengers. “Uganda Airlines regrets the disruption to its flight operations and the inconvenience caused to our guests,” the airline said, adding that it was “focused on resolving the situation and ensuring the full restoration of regular service.” Passengers were advised to seek updates through the Global Call Centre on (+256) 200 406 400.
Uganda Airlines Chief Executive Officer Jenifer Bamuturaki sought to clarify the situation during a television interview, dismissing claims circulating on social media that both long-haul aircraft had been stranded abroad.
“It is not true that we were stuck both in Lagos and London. As we speak, the Airbus flight from London landed about an hour and a half ago,” Bamuturaki said.
She explained that the airline’s challenges stem from technical disruptions within a small fleet. Uganda Airlines operates seven aircraft, and grounding even two significantly affects schedules.
“When you have two aircraft grounded, that immediately creates a knock-on effect. This leads to flight delays and, in some cases, cancellations. That is really what is driving the situation,” she said.
Bamuturaki also pointed to NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen) as an often-overlooked factor. “Once you experience a delay at one airport, it affects how you land or take off at another, especially when you are already operating with fewer aircraft. This compounds the delays across the network,” she explained.
Criticism online
The disruptions have sparked sharp criticism online. Journalist Andrew M. Mwenda wrote on X: “The tragedy happening at Uganda Airlines is far beyond even my 2019 doomsday predictions… passengers stranded, airline rapidly falling apart.”
Human rights activist, retired journalist, former President of Uganda Sports Press Association (USPA), Patriq Kanyomozi, sympathised with affected travellers, posting: “You have to feel sorry for Uganda Airlines passengers… you are told the plane is stuck in London, then later it’s coming to get you. That’s basically a two-way trip.”
Acknowledging passenger frustration, Bamuturaki said the timing of the disruptions had made matters worse. “This is a peak travel period—the holiday season—with families travelling for Christmas and children returning home from school. Naturally, the disruptions are frustrating,” she said.
She added that public criticism reflects a strong attachment to the national carrier. “The fact that people are upset shows they care deeply about Uganda Airlines. This makes communication especially important.”
Voices of reason
Industry voices have urged restraint and context. Ron Kazooba Kawamara, Vice Chairman of the Uganda Tourism Board, defended the airline, noting that such disruptions are common globally.
“Aircraft disruptions are not unique to Uganda Airlines. Any airline operating a limited fleet is vulnerable when an aircraft undergoes unavoidable maintenance,” Kawamara said. “The core challenge is fleet reinforcement, not management failure.”
Uganda Airlines currently serves 17 destinations with just six to seven operational aircraft, making it particularly vulnerable to technical interruptions. Parliament has in recent months backed plans to expand the fleet, though aircraft acquisition delays persist due to global manufacturer backlogs.
As the airline works to stabilise operations — including planned airlifts and cooperation with partner airlines — passengers remain hopeful that the carrier can restore reliability and regain confidence during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
