Issued by: APO Group
Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, is celebrating 25 years of operations in Uganda. Since launching services to Uganda in 2000, Emirates has transported 2.8 million passengers on 15,900 flights, connecting travellers from the country with its extensive global network via Dubai.
Over the years, Emirates has steadily and strategically expanded its operations in Entebbe, evolving in line with customer demand. Initially operating three times a week and linked with Nairobi, the service later extended to include Addis Ababa before becoming a direct service in 2007.
In 2015, Emirates first operated the Boeing 777-200LR, replacing the Airbus A330-200 and increasing seat capacity by 12 per cent. Emirates now operates a three-class Boeing 777-300ER and remains the only international airline offering a First Class cabin to and from of the city.
Over the past two years, Emirates and the Uganda Tourism Board have collaborated to promote inbound tourism, showcasing the country’s stunning natural landscapes, free-roaming wildlife experiences, thrilling adventure sports and rich culture in key destinations across the airline’s network. Since January 2025, Emirates has seen a 16 per cent increase uptick in passengers on the Dubai-Entebbe route, with significant numbers from the US, China, India, the UK, Thailand and the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
Beyond commercial operations, Emirates has also invested in Ugandan communities. In September 2024, the airline’s ‘Dubai 7s for Good’ CSR programme raised a record Shs587,485,310 which was used to build community infrastructure and sports amenities at North Road Primary School in Mbale. This community school is recognised for its excellence in rugby, football, and netball. Since the programme began, Emirates has upgraded the school’s facilities by building a rugby pitch with permanent shaded seating for 2,000 people, installing 16 solar-powered water stations to provide clean drinking water, as well as donating sports equipment.
Commenting on the anniversary, Mohamed Taher, Emirates’ Country Manager for Uganda, said: “Uganda is not only a key market on our network, but also one of our most loved destinations in Africa. Over the last 25 years, we have built strong and prosperous ties with customers, partners and stakeholders, by investing in our operations to provide a best-in-class service. As Uganda’s tourism and aviation sectors continue to flourish, we are proud to play a pivotal role in connecting international travellers to the country and helping passengers from Uganda explore more of the world in comfort.”
To mark this important milestone, Emirates operated a special one-off flight to Entebbe with its fully refurbished four-class Boeing 777. This was followed by a static display to showcase the airline’s latest offerings and greatest features.
Key stakeholders from Uganda’s aviation and tourism sectors attended the event, including Edward Katumba Wamala (Minister for Works and Transport), Fred Bamwesigye (Director General of the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority), Rashid Alardha (Emirates’ Vice President of Commercial Operations for Sub-Saharan Africa) and Mohamed Taher.
During the static tour, guests experienced the refurbished Boeing 777, including the next-generation cabins, latest sophisticated design, and the highly acclaimed Premium Economy Cabin, unveiled in Uganda for the first time.
Emirates showcased what it is like to experience each cabin by setting up the aircraft as if it were in flight. Guests could see the lie-flat seats in First and Business Class, enjoy fine dining in Premium Economy and explore the full range of amenities available in Economy, including children’s toys for all ages.
The aircraft is the result of Emirates’ industry-leading $5bn retrofit programme, which will see 219 A380s and Boeing 777s undergo nose-to-tail upgrades to enhance the onboard experience for passengers. Emirates Engineering is handling this monumental project entirely in-house, having completed 36 A380s and 37 Boeing 777s to date. As the programme continues to scale up, all Emirates destinations, including Uganda, will be served by the upgraded aircraft by 2026 and beyond.
For more information or to book tickets, visit www.emirates.com, download the Emirates app, call the Emirates contact centre or contact a travel agent.
