Emirates Marks 25 Years of Connecting Uganda to the World
In a vibrant celebration yesterday, Emirates, the world's largest international airline, commemorated 25 years of operations to Uganda. Since its inaugural flight in 2000, Emirates has ferried an impressive 2.8 million passengers on approximately 15,900 flights, forging vital connections between Uganda and the vast world via its hub in Dubai.
The Evolution of Emirates in Uganda
When Emirates began its operations, it started with three flights a week, initially linking Entebbe with Nairobi. Over the years, reflecting growing demand, Emirates has expanded its services, introducing a direct route in 2007. The introduction of the Boeing 777-200LR in 2015 marked a significant upgrade, further enhancing passenger capacity by 12%.
Today, Emirates operates a three-class Boeing 777-300ER on its Ugandan routes, standing out as the only international airline that offers a First Class cabin in and out of Entebbe. This commitment to increasing capacity demonstrates Emirates' dedication to satisfying its customers’ travel needs, as well as connecting Uganda to even more global destinations.
Boosting Tourism and Community
Alongside expanding their operations, Emirates has partnered with the Uganda Tourism Board over the past two years to promote the country's breathtaking landscapes, wildlife, and cultural heritage. This collaboration is already producing tangible results; since January 2025 alone, there has been a noteworthy 16% increase in passenger traffic on the Dubai-Entebbe route, driven by visitors coming from the United States, China, India, the United Kingdom, and the greater Middle East.
Moreover, Emirates is deeply committed to giving back to Ugandan communities. Through its ‘Dubai 7s for Good’ CSR program, they raised UGX 587 million (about $170,000) allocated to enhancing educational and athletic infrastructure at North Road Primary School. This initiative will provide facilities for rugby, football, and netball, and includes upgrades like solar-powered water stations and new sports equipment.
Celebrating with Special Flights
To honor this significant milestone, Emirates operated a special flight featuring its newly refreshed four-class Boeing 777, showcasing the best of what the airline has to offer. The event attracted key stakeholders from Uganda’s aviation and tourism sectors who were treated to a static tour of the refurbished aircraft.
Among the attendees were General Edward Katumba Wamala, Uganda’s Minister of Works and Transportation, and Rashid Alardha, Emirates’ Vice President of Commercial Operations for Sub-Saharan Africa. Such moments highlight the importance of aviation in boosting local economies and connecting cultures.
A Bright Future Ahead
Looking ahead, Emirates plans to continue investing in its services to Uganda. The airline's ongoing refurbishment program — one of the industry's largest — is set to upgrade up to 219 aircraft. By 2026, passengers traveling through Uganda will enjoy an enhanced travel experience with state-of-the-art in-flight amenities.
Mohamed Taher, Emirates' Country Manager for Uganda, expressed pride in the 25-year relationship that has flourished with customers and partners alike, reinforcing that Uganda remains a cherished destination in Africa. As tourism and aviation flourish, Emirates will proudly keep connecting Uganda to the world while helping its citizens explore new horizons.
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