Emirates has celebrated 25 years of operations to Uganda, having transported 2.8 million passengers on 15,900 flights since the service began in 2000.
The airline has connected passengers from Uganda with its network via Dubai. Emirates has scaled its operations to Entebbe over the years, responding to customer demand.
At launch, the service operated three times a week and linked with Nairobi, and later with Addis Ababa, before becoming a direct service in 2007. In 2015, Emirates operated the Boeing 777-200LR, replacing the Airbus A330-200 and upgrading seat capacity by 12%. Emirates now operates a three-class Boeing 777-300ER and remains the only airline offering a First Class cabin in and out of the city.
For the last two years, Emirates and the Uganda Tourism Board have collaborated to stimulate inbound tourism, promoting the country’s landscapes, wildlife experiences, adventure sports and culture in destinations on the airline’s network.
Since January 2025, Emirates has noted a 16% uptick in passengers on the Dubai-Entebbe route, with traffic from the US, China, India, the UK, Thailand and the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
Emirates invests 587 Million Ugandan Shillings in Uganda community projects
Beyond operations, Emirates has invested in communities in Uganda. In September 2024, Emirates’ ‘Dubai 7s for Good’ CSR programme raised a record 587,485,310 Ugandan Shillings dedicated to building infrastructure and sports amenities at North Road Primary School in Uganda, a school recognised for its excellence in rugby, football and netball.
Since the start of the programme, Emirates has improved infrastructure and supplies at the school by building a rugby pitch complete with 2,000 capacity shaded bleachers, installing solar-powered water stations to supply fresh and clean water, and donating sport equipment to the students.
“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,” Mohamed Taher, Emirates’ Country Manager for Uganda said in a statement.
Aircraft showcase
To mark the milestone, Emirates operated a one-off flight to Entebbe with the refreshed four-class Boeing 777, followed by a tour to showcase the airline’s offerings.
Stakeholders from Uganda’s aviation and tourism sectors attended, including General Edward Katumba Wamala, Uganda’s Minister of Works and Transportation, and the Director General of Uganda Civil Aviation Authority, Fred Bamwesigye along with Rashid Alardha, Emirates’ Vice President Commercial Operations, Sub-Saharan Africa and Mohamed Taher.
During the tour, guests experienced the refurbished Boeing 777, including the cabins, design and the Premium Economy Cabin, unveiled in Uganda for the first time. Set up as if in flight, Emirates showcased the experience in each cabin: from lie flat seats in First and Business Class, the dining in Premium Economy to the array of amenities in Economy, such as children’s toys for all ages.
The aircraft is the result of Emirates’ $5 billion retrofit programme, which will see 219 A380s and Boeing 777s undergo upgrades to enhance the onboard experience for passengers. The project is handled by Emirates Engineering and, to date, 72 aircraft have been completed – 36 A380s and 37 Boeing 777s. As the programme continues to scale up in 2026 and beyond, all Emirates destinations will be served by the refreshed aircraft, including Uganda.
For more information or to book tickets, visit emirates.com, the Emirates App, Emirates contact centre, or via travel agents.
