Uganda has wrapped up a series of successful high-level bilateral air services negotiations at the 17th ICAO Air Services Negotiation event (ICAN2025) in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
The development marks a major step forward in the country’s efforts to expand its global aviation footprint.
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.
According to a statement by UCAA, the team held engagements with counterparts from Africa, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas with the goal of improving international cooperation and boosting Uganda’s air connectivity.
During the week-long negotiations, Uganda achieved several important milestones including six Memoranda of Understanding signed, with Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) texts initialled with Argentina, Eswatini (review), Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Guyana.
A Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) is a treaty between two countries that regulates international air travel, including which airlines can fly between them, the routes they can take, and the number of flights and passengers they can carry.
In addition to the six new ones, Uganda also concluded a review of the existing BASA with Qatar, further strengthening ties with the Gulf nation.
UCAA noted that these agreements will pave the way for enhanced commercial scheduled international flights by both Ugandan and foreign carriers.
They will also ensure improved air connectivity, which in turn is expected to increase passenger choice, heighten competition, and improve the overall quality of air services available to and from Uganda.
Beyond the bilateral meetings, Uganda also took part in discussions on global air transport policy, including progress on the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) and broader aviation liberalization initiatives.
The outcomes of ICAN2025, UCAA says, reaffirm Uganda’s commitment to deepening international aviation partnerships, boosting tourism, strengthening trade links, and supporting long-term growth of the nation’s aviation sector.