Gen Edward Katumba Wamala, the Minister of Works and Transport, has encouraged Ugandans and potential investors with financial capabilities to explore the untapped opportunities in domestic aviation.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Uganda Aviation Expo 2023 in Entebbe, the minister emphasized that high-end tourists often visit the country but lack the time for long journeys by road to reach the tourism sites they desire to visit. Minister Katumba highlighted the potential for earning profits by offering inland flights to cater to these tourists' needs.
The government noted the significant potential of tourism in boosting Uganda's economy, and as a result, investments are being made to repair and maintain existing aerodromes while also constructing new ones in various regions of the country.
At the expo's opening, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, revealed that thirteen aerodromes had already been refurbished, with six more lined up for repair. Minister Katumba commended the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) and the Uganda Professional Pilots Association (UPPA) for organizing the successful event, which attracted thousands of participants, including students and individuals from all walks of life.
Minister Katumba praised the organizers for demonstrating that the aviation industry is accessible to ordinary people. He also acknowledged the heartwarming gesture of Alice Nabirye, an eighty-five-year-old woman whose granddaughters arranged for her to experience a lifetime opportunity to fly by bringing her in a wheelchair.
The minister encouraged other families with elderly members to follow this example, allowing them to create memorable experiences for their loved ones who have played pivotal roles in their upbringing.
Regarding the proposal from CAA Director General Fred Bamwesigye and UPPA President Capt Ssentamu Aziz that the government take up the responsibility of organizing aviation expos due to the high associated costs, Minister Katumba promised to consider the matter.
He expressed delight in the plans to hold similar expos in various upcountry locations in the future, emphasizing that aviation is not exclusively reserved for the affluent and urban population. The minister urged young Ugandans to consider pursuing careers and businesses in the aviation industry, which offers vast opportunities.
During the expo, over one thousand attendees flew over Kampala at a fee ranging from 200,000 to 300,000 Uganda Shillings per person.