Uganda has taken another bold step in strengthening its aviation footprint and international connectivity by signing two new Bilateral Air Services Agreements (BASAs), one with Argentina and another with Qatar. The agreements were concluded at the 2025 International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Air Services Negotiation Event (ICAN2025) held in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
According to the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), the new partnerships mark a major milestone in the country’s ongoing efforts to expand its global air links and create pathways for increased trade, tourism, and investment.
“This milestone marks another step forward in expanding Uganda’s international aviation partnerships and creating opportunities for increased air connectivity, trade and tourism between Africa and South America,”
said Ms. Olive Birungi Lumonya, Deputy Director General of the UCAA.
She added that the agreements reaffirm Uganda’s commitment to open its skies and foster collaboration with strategic global partners.
The new air services agreement with Argentina paves the way for direct air connections between Uganda and South America a first of its kind for the country. It will allow airlines from both nations to negotiate and operate passenger and cargo flights under mutually agreed terms, expanding Uganda’s reach into an emerging trade and tourism corridor.
Similarly, the updated bilateral agreement with Qatar is expected to strengthen Uganda’s aviation relationship with the Gulf region, home to some of the world’s busiest airports and growing business hubs. The renewed framework supports more flexible routing, code-sharing, and operational cooperation between airlines of the two nations.
“These agreements enhance our ability to connect Ugandan products, services, and travellers to global markets,” said a senior UCAA official. “They demonstrate Uganda’s readiness to position itself as a regional aviation hub.”
Aviation experts have described the signing as a strategic move to diversify Uganda’s global partnerships and expand its aviation network beyond Africa and Europe. The agreements could boost exports by facilitating cargo operations for perishable goods, minerals, and agricultural products, while also attracting new investment in tourism and hospitality.
The move also comes as Uganda continues to strengthen its national carrier, Uganda Airlines, which has been exploring new routes to the Middle East, Asia, and South America. With these agreements in place, the airline and other local operators will have a legal framework to establish operations in the two new markets.
“Every new BASA we sign opens the door to economic opportunities,” explained Ms. Lumonya. “We are not just connecting airports, we are connecting people, businesses and cultures.”
Officials from the Ministry of Works and Transport and the UCAA confirmed that the next phase will involve negotiations with airlines interested in operating under the new agreements. Technical teams are expected to work on route planning, capacity allocation, and coordination with the respective aviation authorities of Argentina and Qatar.
The agreements come at a time when Uganda is positioning itself to become a regional aviation and logistics hub, supported by continued investment in Entebbe International Airport’s expansion and the development of modern cargo and passenger handling facilities