Uganda Concludes Successful Bilateral Air Services Negotiations at ICAN2025
Uganda concluded a successful round of high-level bilateral air services negotiations at the 17th ICAO Air Services Negotiation (ICAN2025) event held in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. The annual ICAN platform brings together States from around the world to review and negotiate air transport agreements aimed at expanding global connectivity and strengthening cooperation in the aviation sector.
Uganda’s delegation—comprising officials from the Ministry of Works and Transport, Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), Uganda Airlines, and the East African Civil Aviation Academy—actively engaged counterparts from Africa, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas. The team, which included the UCAA Deputy Director General, Ms. Olive Birungi Lumonya, pursued strategic partnerships to enhance international air links and promote Uganda as a competitive aviation hub.
A major highlight of Uganda’s participation was the conclusion of several Bilateral Air Services Agreements (BASAs). The country successfully signed six Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with initialled BASA texts involving Argentina, Eswatini (review), Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Guyana. Additionally, Uganda signed one reviewed BASA with the State of Qatar. These agreements create a framework for commercial international flight operations by Ugandan and foreign carriers, ultimately increasing air connectivity, expanding route options, fostering competition, and improving service quality for passengers.
Beyond bilateral negotiations, Uganda also took part in key policy discussions on global air transport trends, including the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) and wider liberalization efforts designed to promote seamless intra-African travel. Uganda joined other States in marking Yamoussoukro Decision (YD) Day on November 14, 2025, reaffirming its commitment to regional integration and open skies.
The achievements registered at ICAN2025 strengthen Uganda’s position in the international aviation landscape. They also reflect the country’s long-term vision of enhancing air transport access, supporting tourism, facilitating trade, and contributing to the sustainable growth of the national aviation industry.
Uganda’s continued progress in building strategic air transport partnerships demonstrates its readiness to engage globally while fostering an interconnected future for aviation.