Uganda has secured a major boost to its international aviation network after concluding a new round of bilateral air service agreements at the 17th International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Air Services Negotiation Summit (ICAN2025), held in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
The Ugandan delegation was led by Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) Deputy Director General Olive Birungi Lumonya, accompanied by officials from the Ministry of Works and Transport, Uganda Airlines, and the East African Civil Aviation Academy. The team held high-level negotiations with representatives from countries across Africa, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas.
Uganda Signs Seven New Agreements
Uganda finalized six Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) and initialled Bilateral Air Services Agreements (BASAs) with:
Argentina
Eswatini
Denmark
Norway
Sweden
Guyana
The delegation also concluded a reviewed BASA with Qatar, strengthening existing cooperation between the two countries.
More Routes, More Airlines, More Opportunities
Lumonya said the agreements will significantly expand Uganda’s global air connectivity and create new opportunities for both Uganda Airlines and foreign carriers interested in entering the Ugandan market.
“These agreements are a major step forward in expanding Uganda’s global air connectivity. They will give passengers more choices, improve competition, and support the growth of our aviation sector,” she noted.
BASAs define which airlines can operate between partner countries, flight frequencies, and permissible routes. Without one, airlines are legally unable to launch commercial flights regardless of demand.
Uganda Takes Part in Key Policy Discussions
Beyond bilateral negotiations, Uganda participated in policy discussions on the future of air transport. These included:
The Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM)
Global aviation liberalisation
Continental air transport reforms
These sessions were held in recognition of Yamoussoukro Decision Day on 14 November 2025, an annual event marking Africa’s commitment to open skies.
Tourism, Trade, and Investment to Benefit
According to the UCAA, the outcomes of ICAN2025 are expected to:
Boost Uganda’s tourism industry
Ease international trade and cargo movement
Enhance investor confidence
Strengthen Uganda’s positioning as an emerging regional aviation hub
“Strengthening our air connections means strengthening our economy. These agreements reaffirm Uganda’s commitment to building a modern, competitive aviation industry,” Lumonya added.
Next Steps
The new agreements will now undergo internal legal and administrative processes before airlines can begin applying for route approvals and launching commercial flights.
