Uganda Airlines is entering a decisive new phase of its turnaround, combining fresh government funding, governance reforms, and a sweeping shift in fleet strategy that will see the carrier pivot toward Boeing aircraft.
The Ugandan government has approved a UGX 145 billion capital injection for the national airline under the 2026/27 budget, aimed at stabilizing operations and improving fleet utilization. The funding follows an earlier UGX 422 billion supplementary allocation earmarked for fleet expansion, forming part of a broader effort to reposition the airline on a sustainable commercial footing.
But the financial support is now being matched by strategic change.
At a staff town hall held today, acting CEO Girma Wake told employees that the airline will move toward becoming a Boeing-led operator, with plans to acquire 10 aircraft comprising four Boeing 787 Dreamliners, four Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, and two Boeing 767 freighters.
The announcement marks the clearest signal yet of a fleet reset, as the airline looks to move away from a structure that has struggled to deliver consistent operational performance.
Uganda Airlines currently operates a fleet of six aircraft, including Airbus A330-800 widebodies and CRJ900 regional jets, but recent internal reports have highlighted significant reliability challenges. At one point earlier this year, half of the airline’s owned fleet was grounded, severely disrupting schedules and long-haul operations.
A Reset Backed by Government and Board Pressure
The fleet shift comes amid intensified scrutiny at shareholder and board level.
Recent high-level meetings have focused on financial sustainability, governance reform, and operational discipline, with growing consensus that continued state funding must deliver measurable improvements. Uganda Airlines has accumulated losses exceeding UGX 1 trillion since its revival in 2019, despite expanding its network and increasing passenger traffic.
The appointment of Girma Wake, a veteran credited with helping transform Ethiopian Airlines into a global carrier, reflects the seriousness of the reset. He was brought in directly by President Yoweri Museveni in early 2026 to stabilize the airline and overhaul its leadership and strategy.
His mandate extends beyond advisory functions, with responsibility for restructuring operations, guiding fleet decisions, and shaping a new management framework.
Why Boeing, and Why Now
The move toward Boeing is not just about aircraft performance. It reflects a deeper strategic calculation.
Africa remains a Boeing-dominated market, with stronger ecosystem support in maintenance, training, and supply chains compared to Airbus in many parts of the continent. For an airline that has struggled with spare parts availability, engine support, and fleet reliability, aligning with a broader regional ecosystem offers immediate operational advantages.
The inclusion of two Boeing 767 freighters is particularly significant, signaling a deliberate move into cargo operations, an area increasingly seen as critical to long-term sustainability. Cargo has emerged as a stabilizing revenue stream globally, and African airlines are under growing pressure to develop it as a core business line rather than an afterthought.
The addition of 787 Dreamliners and 737 MAX aircraft also points to a more coherent network strategy, aligning long-haul, regional, and cargo operations within a single ecosystem.
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