Uganda Airlines has denied claims that a few ‘influential’ individuals have booked out all cargo space on its London route, leaving ordinary exporters sidelined.
The national carrier’s inaugural flight to London departed Entebbe for Gatwick International Airport on Sunday, carrying over 22 tonnes of cargo, a significant milestone as the airline seeks to tap into the high-value cargo market.
However, viral social media posts alleged that five powerful exporters have already monopolized the route’s cargo capacity until July, forcing smaller players to rely on brokers who are charging higher rates.
One post quoted an exporter of habanero chilli peppers, who said he would continue using Ethiopian Airlines due to what he described as corruption at home. In a statement, Shakila Rahim Lamar, Uganda Airlines’ head of corporate affairs and public relations, dismissed the allegations, saying the airline operates on a first-come, first-served basis for cargo bookings.
“Uganda Airlines does not have any block space agreements with exporters, as is being alleged,” Lamar said.
“We rejected such agreements precisely because our space is limited and we want to serve the entire market fairly.”
Block space agreements (BSAs) are common in the aviation industry, allowing large cargo agents to reserve space in advance. While Uganda Airlines uses global cargo agents to facilitate sales and coordination, Lamar clarified that no exporter has been given exclusive access.
Another airline official, who requested anonymity, added that the exporters simply booked early and paid upfront, just like passengers do.
“If booking early is now equated to corruption, then even the 3,000-plus passengers who’ve already reserved tickets through January next year could be accused,” the source said.
The official attributed the current rush to promotional pricing on both cargo and passenger services and acknowledged the limited cargo room on passenger aircraft.
“You take what’s available. Passenger bags also occupy space. That’s why we’re planning to bring in dedicated cargo planes,” the official said.
Uganda Airlines is expected to add eight aircraft to its fleet starting next financial year, including two freighters, to meet growing demand across regional and international routes.
The airline sees cargo as a crucial revenue stream on the London route, complementing passenger numbers and boosting Uganda’s export potential.
Of course such Uganda dodgy business behaviour must catch up with this very important infrastructure of international transport system. One wonders what is happening to the improvements of the rail and road transport systems in this land locked country. African corruption must be retarding any improvements in such transport systems that serve thousands of travellers every day. These are transport systems that work in tandem with the modern and efficient air transport systems in any country. Where Uganda Airlines is happily going and arriving safely, much of the common road and rail infrastructures are up to greater standards compared to the Uganda systems. An air passenger coming from Arua or Ankole needs to wake up very early if he or she has to get on that plane the next day to the United Kingdom, to Asia and the Middle East! What of moving perishables farm inputs. God bless these air ways passengers as they struggle to travel safely on the Uganda poorly maintained one-way-highway roads by busses or private cars day and night to the single airport in this country! One wonders what sort of commercial business the Uganda Army has been doing with the Great pioneering old airports it has monopolized at Entebbe, Soroti, Gulu, Kasese and Nakasongola for now many years and counting!
Always use Emirates , cheap comfortable and reliable
Guys, it is crucial to acknowledge the significant historical context of the developed nations in the west and east.
Their current standing is the result of extensive periods of growth (100s of years) and development. Uganda, a comparatively young nation, has faced considerable challenges throughout much of its history. (almost the first half of its age).
Therefore, it requires time and support (from Ugandans in particular) to reach its full potential, mirroring the support provided to other nations during their development.
Constructive engagement, rather than criticism, is essential to fostering progress. I firmly support all achievements made in Uganda, irrespective of their origin.
HOORAY UGANDA, HOORAY UGANDA AIRLINES! Continue making progress