UAE-Uganda travel: Emirates celebrates 25 years of direct flights between Dubai and Entebbe
Refurbished Boeing 777 showcased in special anniversary flight to the African destination
DUBAI – Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, has celebrated 25 years of operations to Uganda, marking a major milestone in its long-standing commitment to East Africa.
Since its inaugural flight in 2000, Emirates has carried 2.8 million passengers on 15,900 flights, connecting Uganda with its vast global network through Dubai.
To commemorate the anniversary, the airline operated a special one-off flight and static tour of its fully refurbished Boeing 777 aircraft, showcasing the future of air travel to the “Pearl of Africa.”
Emirates in Entebbe
Emirates has steadily expanded and refined its operations to Entebbe in response to growing passenger demand. The route, initially launched three times a week and linked with Nairobi, later connected via Addis Ababa before becoming a direct service in 2007.
In 2015, Emirates upgraded its service by introducing the Boeing 777-200LR, replacing the Airbus A330-200 and increasing seat capacity by 12%. Today, the airline operates a three-class Boeing 777-300ER and remains the only international carrier offering a First Class cabin to and from Entebbe.
Since January 2025, Emirates has reported a 16% rise in passengers on the Dubai–Entebbe route, with significant traffic from the US, China, India, the UK, Thailand, and the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
Tourism partnership
Over the past two years, Emirates and the Uganda Tourism Board have joined forces to promote inbound tourism. Their partnership has highlighted Uganda’s breathtaking natural landscapes, free-roaming wildlife, adventure sports and vibrant cultural heritage to travellers across Emirates’ global network.
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 ties with customers, partners and stakeholders by investing in our operations to deliver a best-in-class service.”
Community investment
Beyond aviation, Emirates has contributed to local communities in Uganda. Through its ‘Dubai 7s for Good’ CSR programme, the airline raised UGX 587,485,310 (approximately Dh560,000) in 2024, dedicated to enhancing community infrastructure and sports amenities at North Road Primary School – a local institution recognised for excellence in rugby, football, and netball.
Emirates has built a rugby pitch with permanent shaded bleachers for 2,000 spectators, installed 16 solar-powered water stations providing clean drinking water, and donated sports equipment to students.
Showcasing innovation
The anniversary celebrations featured a static tour of Emirates’ reconfigured Boeing 777, attended by key Ugandan aviation and tourism officials, including General Edward Katumba Wamala, Minister of Works and Transportation; Fred Bamwesigye, Director General of Uganda Civil Aviation Authority; Rashid Alardha, Emirates’ Vice President Commercial Operations for Sub-Saharan Africa; and Mohamed Taher.
Guests toured the aircraft’s next-generation cabins, including the highly acclaimed Premium Economy Class, unveiled in Uganda for the first time. Visitors experienced the comfort and amenities of all cabin classes, from the lie-flat seats and gourmet dining in First and Business Class to the thoughtful touches in Premium Economy and Economy.
The aircraft is part of Emirates’ ambitious USD $5 billion retrofit programme, which aims to upgrade 219 A380s and Boeing 777s. Conducted entirely by Emirates Engineering, the project has already completed 72 aircraft – 36 A380s and 37 Boeing 777s – with more to follow through 2026 and beyond. Once complete, all Emirates destinations, including Entebbe, will be served by the enhanced fleet.