Uganda Airlines aircraft.
Kampala — Uganda Airlines can only achieve long-term success if it is operated as a commercial airline rather than a political project, according to Mike Mukula, a trained flight captain.
Mukula said global aviation experience shows that national carriers perform best when governance is professional, decisions are data-driven, and management is insulated from political interference.
“Uganda Airlines can only succeed if it is run as a commercial airline, not as a political project,” Mukula said, citing international best practice.
He pointed to Ethiopian Airlines as a practical African model, noting its commercial autonomy, strong capitalization, disciplined fleet planning, and investment in skilled human capital.
Mukula said the airline must be fully capitalized to avoid stop-start operations that undermine growth and customer confidence. He added that during the early and consolidation phases, fleet discipline is critical.
“Operating no more than two aircraft types, preferably within one manufacturer family, reduces training, maintenance, and inventory costs while improving reliability and safety,” he said.
The aviation expert also emphasized the need for Uganda Airlines to invest in a fully equipped in-house Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility, saying it would lower long-term operating costs, strengthen technical independence, and create opportunities for third-party maintenance revenue.
Mukula stressed that leadership would be decisive to the airline’s future, calling for a chief executive officer with deep international airline experience, supported by a professional management team in marketing, flight operations, engineering, and financial control.
“If governance is right, the people are right, and politics stay out of day-to-day operations, Uganda Airlines can become competitive, credible, and profitable,” Mukula said.
Uganda Airlines, the national carrier, has been expanding its route network in recent years as government seeks to position the airline as a regional hub operator. However, questions over capitalization, governance, and operational sustainability have continued to shape public debate about its long-term viability.
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