Travellers between Uganda and Kenya have gained another air travel option following the return of Jambojet to the Entebbe-Nairobi route, a development that authorities say will further open up opportunities for tourism, trade, investment and regional business.
The Kenyan low-cost carrier officially resumed its operations in Uganda on Thursday, October 1, 2026, with its return marked by an event at Entebbe International Airport. The ceremony brought together officials from the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), the Ministry of Works and Transport, the Kenyan High Commission and representatives of Jambojet.
For UCAA Director General Fred K. Bamwesigye, the airline’s comeback represents growing confidence in Uganda’s aviation market and the systems supporting air transport in the country. He said having more airlines operating on the market can create healthy competition while giving passengers greater choice.
Bamwesigye explained that increased competition has the potential to encourage airlines to improve efficiency and offer competitive fares. He said this could particularly benefit people travelling between the two countries for business, tourism, work, family commitments and other purposes.
At the same time, the UCAA chief reminded airlines that increased competition must go hand in hand with safety and quality service. He assured operators that the regulator would continue working to provide a supportive environment for the aviation industry while maintaining strict requirements for safety and security.
Uganda’s aviation safety record was also highlighted during the event. Bamwesigye said the country recorded an effective implementation score of 72.64 percent in the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Universal Safety Oversight Audit conducted in 2023. This was above the regional average of 55 percent and the global average of 69.4 percent.
Uganda has also registered strong results in aviation security. During an ICAO security audit in 2024, the country achieved a score of 81.6 percent, compared with regional and global averages of 64.5 percent and 72.36 percent respectively.
Jambojet’s return also increases the number of international airlines serving Entebbe International Airport to 21. UCAA says the continued entry and expansion of international carriers has played a role in the growth of passenger traffic at the country’s main international gateway.
The scale of that growth can be seen in the passenger figures. International passenger traffic at Entebbe has increased from roughly 118,000 passengers in 1991 to about 2.48 million passengers, reflecting the transformation of Uganda’s aviation sector over the past decades.
The growth is being matched by major infrastructure improvements at Entebbe. Bamwesigye said a new 20,000-square-metre terminal building has been completed and is expected to be opened to passengers soon.
The new facility comes with three additional aerobridges, taking the total number at the airport to five. It also adds 24 check-in counters to the existing 22, together with 14 self-check-in counters designed to improve passenger processing.
Once the new terminal is fully operational, Entebbe International Airport is expected to handle at least 3.5 million international passengers annually, compared with its current capacity of about two million.
The airport has also introduced improvements in its parking operations, including licence plate recognition technology, touchless access and mobile payment systems aimed at making entry and payment more convenient for airport users.
The Minister of Works and Transport said Jambojet’s return should be viewed within the wider growth of Uganda’s aviation sector. According to the Minister, the decision by the airline to resume services demonstrates continued interest in Uganda as an aviation and business destination.
The Minister further pointed to the long-standing relationship between Uganda and Kenya. The neighbouring countries have strong historical, cultural, economic and diplomatic connections, with thousands of people and businesses moving between them every year.
Kenya remains an important trading partner for Uganda and provides a major link to regional and international markets. The Entebbe-Nairobi connection is therefore strategically important, with Nairobi serving as a major destination and transit point for travellers from Uganda.
Uganda has entered into Bilateral Air Services Agreements with 64 countries, according to the Minister. Such agreements establish the framework under which international airlines operate, including issues concerning routes, traffic rights and airline designation.
The Government says expanding air connectivity is important to the country’s economic ambitions because reliable air transport helps businesses reach markets, connects investors with opportunities, supports tourism and makes movement between countries easier.
Uganda is also continuing to expand its aviation infrastructure beyond Entebbe. The Minister cited the ongoing development of Kabalega International Airport and Kidepo International Airport, alongside continued investments at Entebbe International Airport.
The country’s aviation profile has also received international recognition through its return to the ICAO Council last year. The position gives Uganda a platform to participate in discussions and decisions concerning the future of international civil aviation, including safety, security, connectivity and sustainable development.
With Jambojet now back on the Entebbe-Nairobi route, passengers have another carrier to consider when travelling between the two East African cities. Authorities expect the renewed service to contribute to stronger people-to-people links while supporting the wider movement of goods, tourists, investors and business travellers between Uganda and Kenya.
