From Mbarara to Kampala in Minutes: Uganda Airlines to Finally Fly Within the Country by 2026

Uganda Airlines has revealed plans to start domestic flights in the 2026/2027 financial year. The decision is expected to improve local connectivity and ease the burden on upcountry transport routes that have been breaking down due to poor maintenance.

The announcement was made by the airline’s Chief Executive Officer, Jennifer Bamuturaki, during her appearance before the Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE) on Thursday, August 14, 2025. The committee session focused on the Auditor General’s report for the year ending December 2024.

During the meeting, Bamuturaki confirmed that the national carrier is ready to open up domestic routes. This response came after a question from Kashari South MP Nathan Itungo, who reminded Parliament that the Nyakisharara airstrip in his constituency was once a major revenue earner during former President Obote’s government. He noted that domestic flights have long been part of Uganda’s aviation history and could again become profitable.

Several Members of Parliament strongly welcomed the idea. Bukimbiri County MP Eddie Kwizera pointed out that air travel within Uganda could even be cheaper than current road options. “From here to Kisoro, we pay $320 for transport. Wouldn’t it be profitable to have internal flights, considering international fares are similar?” he asked.

The push for local flights also comes at a time when road transport is becoming more expensive and less reliable. In October last year, the Pakwach–Karma road crisis sparked protests and complaints from MPs. Dr. George Didi Bhoka, the Obongi County representative, called for tighter regulation of bus fares and suggested the government revive other means of transport such as water and rail to support trade in West Nile. He recalled that the region once depended on steamships moving goods from Port Butiaba to Nimule.

Uganda currently has 47 airstrips across the country. Six of these are paved, while 42 remain unpaved. Out of the total, 13 are under the direct management of the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA). This network is expected to provide Uganda Airlines with a strong foundation for introducing domestic routes.

At the moment, the national carrier operates 17 international and regional routes, including flights to London, Mumbai, Dubai, Juba, Johannesburg, Nairobi, Mombasa, Zanzibar, Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro, Mogadishu, Bujumbura, Lagos, Abuja, Lusaka, and Harare. The airline mainly uses Bombardier CRJs and Airbus A320s, while Airbus A330s handle long-haul flights. Two years ago, Uganda Airlines also resumed flights to Saudi Arabia, transporting 250 Muslim pilgrims for the Hijja, a route that had been suspended for over 40 years.

The upcoming domestic launch is expected to bring major benefits. Passengers will save time, cargo will move faster, and regions that have relied on slow and costly road transport will gain new opportunities. With more airstrips being prepared and demand steadily rising, Uganda Airlines hopes to become a stronger force in both domestic and regional aviation.

Officials have assured the public that the new services will complement government infrastructure projects, while offering safe and reliable air travel across Uganda’s diverse regions.