Africa-Press – Uganda. Uganda has secured new international air service opportunities after successfully concluding high-level negotiations at the 17th International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) summit 2025. The ICAO Air Services Negotiation event (ICAN2025) was held in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
The Ugandan delegation, led by Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) Deputy Director General Olive Birungi Lumonya, included officials from the Ministry of Works and Transport, Uganda Airlines, and the East African Civil Aviation Academy.
They met representatives from countries across Africa, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas to strengthen Uganda’s global air links.
Uganda signed six Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) and initialled Bilateral Air Services Agreements (BASAs) with Argentina, Eswatini, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Guyana. The delegation also concluded a reviewed BASA with Qatar.
Lumonya said the new agreements will open more international routes for both Uganda Airlines and foreign carriers. “These agreements are a major step forward in expanding Uganda’s global air connectivity. They will give passengers more choices, improve competition, and support the growth of our aviation sector,” she said.
BASAs are essential international arrangements that determine which airlines can operate flights between two countries, how often they can fly, and which routes they can use.
According to Lumonya, “BASAs make it possible for airlines to start commercial flights. Without them, even if an airline wants to fly to Uganda, it cannot legally do so.”
During ICAN2025, Uganda also joined policy discussions on the future of aviation, including the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) and global air transport liberalisation. These sessions were held in celebration of Yamoussoukro Decision Day on November 14, 2025.
The UCAA says the outcomes from ICAN2025 will help boost tourism, facilitate trade, and enhance Uganda’s ability to attract investors.
“Strengthening our air connections means strengthening our economy. These agreements reaffirm Uganda’s commitment to building a modern, competitive aviation industry,” Lumonya added.
The new agreements will undergo domestic processes before airlines begin applying for route approvals.
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