Uganda Airlines is presently undergoing a severe crisis, largely overlooked beyond Africa. The airline, which resumed operations in its current incarnation in 2019, has been facing operational troubles for several weeks. The turmoil began when one of its two Airbus A330-800neos, registered as 5X-NIL, was grounded in Lagos on December 8, 2025, due to maintenance problems. This grounding has drastically affected the airline’s operations, as it depends on these aircraft for long-haul flights from Entebbe to cities such as Dubai, Lagos, London, and Mumbai.
With only a single A330 in operation, Uganda Airlines has had difficulty adhering to its schedule, resulting in numerous flight cancellations and considerable delays. The other A330, registered as 5X-CRN, has been unable to simultaneously handle all routes, causing flights to arrive hours or even days late. Frustrated passengers have even turned to protests at airports due to the inadequate communication and information from the airline.
The crisis is worsened by Uganda Airlines’ inadequate management. Travelers frequently show up at airports only to discover their flights delayed by days without any prior warning, and check-in counters often lack staff. The airline’s social media engagement has been scant, offering no updates on the crisis, which further irritates passengers.
Uganda Airlines has been facing financial difficulties since its inception, with losses surpassing $250 million. The management troubles are underscored by the airline’s history of dismissing its former CEO over accusations of financial mismanagement and nepotism. The current CEO has also come under fire regarding her qualifications and performance, raising concerns about the airline’s leadership.
In summary, Uganda Airlines’ management of the crisis has been inadequate, marked by substantial communication breakdowns and operational hurdles. This situation underscores the broader challenges confronting government-owned airlines in Africa, where management and profitability frequently take a back seat to prestige and nepotism.