Jambojet Returns to Uganda As UCAA Hails Competition, Affordable Air Travel And Stronger Regional Connectivity

Jambojet has officially returned to Uganda, resuming flights between Entebbe International Airport and Nairobi in a move expected to strengthen air connectivity, tourism, trade and business between Uganda and Kenya.

The airline’s return was welcomed on Thursday, October 1, 2026, during a ceremony held at Entebbe International Airport. Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) Director General Fred K. Bamwesigye said the return was a clear vote of confidence in Uganda’s air transport system and a sign of continued growth in the regional aviation industry.

Bamwesigye said increased competition among airlines would help improve efficiency and cost-effectiveness in the aviation sector. He said Jambojet is expected to play an important role in making regional air travel more affordable and accessible to businesspeople, families and tourists.

“As the regulator, our primary objective has always been to create an enabling environment that fosters sustainable growth and enhances connectivity,” Bamwesigye said, while urging all airlines operating in Uganda to maintain high standards of safety, security and service delivery.

He revealed that Uganda recorded an effective implementation score of 72.64 percent in the 2023 International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Universal Safety Oversight Audit, compared to regional and global averages of 55 percent and 69.4 percent respectively. Uganda also scored 81.6 percent in the 2024 ICAO aviation security audit, above the regional average of 64.5 percent and global average of 72.36 percent.

Jambojet’s return also increases the number of international airlines operating at Entebbe International Airport to 21. According to Bamwesigye, the growth in the number of airlines has contributed to the steady increase in passenger traffic through Uganda’s main international gateway.

He said international passenger traffic has grown from about 118,000 passengers in 1991 to approximately 2.48 million passengers today, highlighting the expansion of Uganda’s aviation sector over the years.

The UCAA Director General also pointed to major developments at Entebbe International Airport. A new 20,000-square-metre terminal building has been completed and is expected to open to the public soon. The facility has three additional aerobridges, bringing the total to five, as well as 24 additional check-in counters and 14 self-check-in counters.

Once fully operational, the new terminal is expected to increase the airport’s international passenger-handling capacity from about two million to at least 3.5 million passengers annually.

The airport has also upgraded its car parking system with faster and more flexible payment options, including licence plate recognition, touchless interaction and mobile payment integration.

Speaking at the same event, the Minister of Works and Transport welcomed Jambojet’s return, saying it demonstrated the confidence airline operators continue to place in Uganda and the country’s aviation regulatory system.

The Minister also highlighted the strong relationship between Uganda and Kenya, noting that the two countries share close historical, cultural and economic ties. Kenya remains one of Uganda’s major trading partners and an important gateway to regional and international markets.

The Entebbe-Nairobi route is among the busiest and most competitive air routes involving Uganda, while Nairobi remains one of the top destinations for passengers travelling from Uganda.

The Minister said Uganda has so far concluded Bilateral Air Services Agreements with 64 countries. These agreements provide the legal framework for international air services, including routes, traffic rights and airline designations.

He said the return of Jambojet goes beyond the resumption of flights, as air transport plays a major role in connecting businesses to markets, tourists to destinations, investors to opportunities and families across borders.

The Government, he added, remains committed to improving Uganda’s aviation infrastructure and strengthening regional transport links. He cited the ongoing expansion of Entebbe International Airport, developments at Kabalega International Airport and the ongoing development of Kidepo International Airport.

Uganda also regained a seat on the ICAO Council last year, a development Bamwesigye said gives the country a stronger voice in decisions concerning global aviation standards, safety, security, connectivity and sustainable development.

Both Uganda and Jambojet welcomed the renewed partnership, with officials expressing hope that the airline’s return will create more opportunities for tourism, trade, investment and movement between Uganda and Kenya.

The return of Jambojet adds another option for travellers between Entebbe and Nairobi and further strengthens the growing network of airlines serving Uganda’s aviation market