By Shafick Kateregga
They say, “A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is still putting on its shoes.” This seems to be the case with Uganda Airlines, which has swiftly shut down rumors that the UK government has blocked its upcoming direct flights to London Gatwick.
Amid whispers and online speculation, the airline has come forward to set the record straight—its Foreign Carriers Permit remains intact, and preparations for the much-anticipated May 18 launch are moving full steam ahead. Despite media reports suggesting political hurdles, Uganda Airlines insists that the journey to London is still on course, marking a major milestone in its global expansion.
On March 23, Uganda Airlines issued a statement dismissing claims that the UK had revoked its rights to operate flights to London. “Do not believe everything you hear; some stories are like smoke without fire,” the airline stated.
It reassured travelers that no official communication from British authorities had been made to suggest any flight cancellations. The rumors stemmed from a report by The Sun, which claimed that UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy had ordered the immediate suspension of the route due to concerns over Uganda’s human rights record.
The article further alleged that Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government was reviewing sanctions against Ugandan officials and was “embarrassed” by the approval of the flights. However, Uganda Airlines remains firm—there is no truth to these allegations, and ticket sales continue as planned.
Despite the noise, Uganda Airlines is focused on the bigger picture. CEO Jenifer Bamuturaki described the London route as a major leap forward in the airline’s journey. “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, and this is our step into Europe,” she said.
For years, Uganda Airlines has been laying the groundwork for this expansion, overcoming challenges such as COVID-19 delays. The airline has already built a strong African network with 14 destinations, making this European connection a natural next step. With four flights a week, the new service will increase Uganda Airlines’ total weekly departures from Entebbe to 81, solidifying its position as the busiest airline at Entebbe International Airport.
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