Uganda Airlines has taken a significant step towards establishing a stronger presence in the global air cargo market after signing a commitment with Boeing to acquire two converted freighter aircraft as part of a major fleet expansion programme. The agreement, which also includes eight new passenger aircraft, underlines the national carrier’s long-term strategy to expand connectivity, support Uganda’s economic development, and enhance its role in regional and international aviation.
The landmark agreement was signed at State House in Entebbe in the presence of Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, senior government officials, representatives of the United States Embassy, members of the Uganda Airlines Board, and Boeing executives. The overall fleet investment, valued at approximately 3.7 trillion Ugandan shillings (around US$985 million), represents the largest expansion initiative for Uganda Airlines since its revival in 2019.
A key component of the expansion is the acquisition of two dedicated cargo aircraft — a Boeing 767 wide-body converted freighter and a Boeing 737 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF). The addition of these freighters will significantly enhance Uganda Airlines’ cargo handling capabilities, enabling the carrier to transport high-value exports, agricultural products, and time-sensitive shipments more efficiently across African and global markets.
The Boeing 767 converted freighter is expected to support long-haul cargo operations, providing the airline with increased payload capacity for intercontinental routes, while the Boeing 737 BCF will be deployed on shorter regional and continental networks. The dual-freighter strategy will allow Uganda Airlines to develop a flexible cargo network capable of meeting growing demand for air freight services across East Africa and beyond.
Beyond strengthening cargo operations, the broader fleet expansion includes the addition of passenger aircraft designed to increase the airline’s reach across regional, continental, and long-haul international markets. Industry reports indicate that the planned fleet consists of four Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and four Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, creating a balanced fleet structure that supports both passenger growth and cargo expansion.
Boeing Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing for Africa, Anbessie Yitbarek, reaffirmed the manufacturer’s commitment to supporting Uganda Airlines’ expansion journey through aircraft solutions, technical expertise, and long-term capacity development initiatives.
The investment is expected to deliver wider economic benefits for Uganda by strengthening trade, tourism, foreign investment, and export opportunities. By expanding its dedicated freighter capability and increasing international connectivity, Uganda Airlines aims to position Entebbe as a strategic aviation and logistics gateway for East and Central Africa.
The move also reflects the growing importance of dedicated freighter operations across Africa, where rising intra-African trade, e-commerce growth, and increasing demand for reliable logistics solutions are driving airlines to invest in modern cargo fleets. With the introduction of the Boeing 767 and 737 converted freighters, Uganda Airlines is laying the foundation for a more diversified business model that combines passenger growth with a stronger and more resilient cargo operation.
