Uganda Airlines’ inaugural direct flight to London Gatwick, launched in early 2025, has sparked a tourism boom, making Uganda more accessible to European travelers. Spearheaded by Minister of Works and Transport Gen Katumba Wamala, the route reduces travel time and costs, attracting tourists and investors to Kampala’s vibrant tourism sector.
The new flight aligns with Uganda’s goal to double its tourism revenue to $1.9 billion by 2028. In 2024, tourism earnings reached $1.52 billion, a 13.1% increase from $1.36 billion in 2023, driven by campaigns like “Explore Uganda.” The route has facilitated a 33% surge in UK visitors, alongside growth from Canada (19%) and the US (5%), according to Finance Minister Matia Kasaija.
Infrastructure improvements, including 1,300 kilometers of maintained trail roads in national parks and a new convention center in Munyonyo, enhance Uganda’s appeal for leisure and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism. The government’s Shs430 billion budget allocation for 2025/26 supports these efforts, with additional investments in hospitality training and health tourism facilities.
The London route also strengthens economic ties, enabling seamless travel for business visitors eyeing Uganda’s growing market. As Uganda positions itself as a premier safari and cultural destination, the airline’s expansion signals a transformative year for tourism in 2025.
