Plans are under way for the Ugandan government to revive the defunct Uganda Airlines, which collapsed in 2001.

Ugandan President, Yoweri Museveni, called the lack of a national carrier a “big shame” saying the collapse of the flag carrier had driven up travel costs between Entebbe and regional capital cities.

After the airline went under in 2001, some private airlines emerged but their services were short-lived due to fierce competition from other airlines in the East African region.

Addressing his Cabinet last week, the President said: “In these five years, Uganda will encourage the setting up of a national airline.”

Museveni has directed the Ministry of Works and Transport to conclude discussions with investors to enable Uganda to urgently establish a national airline. “To bring down travel costs, there is need for the country to have a national airline,” he said.

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