Emirates Marks 25 Years of Service to Uganda with Special Anniversary Flight

By Hason Mutunzi Bwambale

ENTEBBE, Uganda | October 16, 2025

Emirates Airlines has celebrated 25 years of flight operations to Uganda with a special anniversary flight and static tour of its newly refurbished Boeing 777 aircraft at Entebbe International Airport.

Since launching flights to Uganda in 2000, the Dubai-based carrier has transported more than 2.8 million passengers on 15,900 flights, connecting Ugandans to its vast global network via Dubai.
Speaking during the celebrations, Mr. Mohamed Taher, Emirates’ Country Manager for Uganda, said the milestone reflected the airline’s long-standing commitment to the Ugandan market and the wider East African region.

“Uganda is not only a key market on our network but also one of our most loved destinations in Africa,” Taher said. “Over the last 25 years, we have built strong partnerships with customers, tourism agencies, and government institutions. As Uganda’s aviation and tourism sectors continue to flourish, Emirates is proud to play a pivotal role in connecting international travellers to the Pearl of Africa.”

The airline began operations to Entebbe with three weekly flights linked to Nairobi, before introducing direct flights in 2007. In 2015, Emirates upgraded its service with the Boeing 777-200LR, and today operates the Boeing 777-300ER, the only aircraft offering First-Class service to and from Uganda.
Boosting Tourism and Partnerships
Emirates has also played a vital role in promoting Uganda as a tourism destination through its partnership with the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB). Over the past two years, the airline and UTB have undertaken joint campaigns to market Uganda’s natural beauty, adventure tourism, and culture in key international markets.

According to Emirates, passenger numbers on the Dubai–Entebbe route have risen by 16 percent since January 2025, with most travellers originating from the United States, China, India, the United Kingdom, and the Middle East.
A UTB official commended the airline’s contribution to Uganda’s tourism growth, noting that “Emirates has been instrumental in expanding Uganda’s reach to global travellers and boosting visitor confidence.”

Beyond aviation, Emirates has invested in local community development. Through its ‘Dubai 7s for Good’ initiative, the airline raised over UGX 587 million last year to improve sports and water infrastructure at North Road Primary School, a community school renowned for its excellence in rugby, football, and netball.
The funds supported the construction of a 2,000-seat shaded sports pavilion, installation of solar-powered water stations, and donation of sports equipment to the school.

To mark the silver jubilee, Emirates organized a special one-off flight to Entebbe, followed by a static tour of its fully refurbished four-class Boeing 777, featuring the new Premium Economy cabin, unveiled in Uganda for the first time.

The event was graced by key officials, including Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, Minister of Works and Transport; Mr. Fred Bamwesigye, Director General of the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority; and Mr. Rashid Alardha, Emirates’ Vice President for Sub-Saharan Africa.
Guests were treated to a firsthand experience of Emirates’ refreshed cabins—complete with lie-flat seats, fine dining options, and enhanced in-flight entertainment across all classes.

The anniversary comes as Emirates undertakes a USD 5 billion fleet retrofit programme, upgrading 219 aircraft to enhance passenger comfort and experience. Uganda is among the destinations expected to benefit as the refreshed aircraft are rolled out globally through 2026 and beyond.

“Our journey in Uganda mirrors our global vision—connecting people, promoting trade, and driving tourism,” Taher said. “As we celebrate this milestone, we look forward to another 25 years of partnership and shared progress with the people of Uganda.” Mr. Rashid Alardha