Uganda has concluded a series of bilateral air service negotiations at the 17th ICAO Air Services Negotiation event (ICAN2025), strengthening the country’s position in the global aviation sector.
The week-long summit, held in Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, brought together aviation regulators, policy experts, and national delegations from around the world.
Uganda’s delegation was led by the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) Deputy Director General, Olive Birungi Lumonya, and included officials from the Ministry of Works and Transport, Uganda Airlines, and the East African Civil Aviation Academy.
Uganda emerged from the negotiations with notable gains. The delegation signed six Memoranda of Understanding and initialled Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) texts with Argentina, Eswatini (reviewed), Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Guyana. In addition, Uganda concluded a revised BASA with Qatar, paving the way for expanded commercial flight operations between Kampala and Doha.
According to UCAA officials, these agreements will enable increased international flights by both Ugandan and foreign carriers, enhancing connectivity, offering more travel options, and boosting competition in the aviation market.
Uganda also participated in high-level discussions on global aviation policy, including the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) and ongoing air transport liberalization initiatives.
The engagements formed part of the YD Day celebrations on November 14, commemorating the Yamoussoukro Decision, which seeks to promote greater intra-African air travel.
Aviation experts note that the successful negotiations reflect Uganda’s commitment to deepening global integration, attracting more tourists, and strengthening trade through improved air links.
Officials said the outcomes of ICAN2025 align with Uganda’s broader goal of becoming a competitive player in the international aviation industry.
