Uganda: Govt to Revive Uganda Airlines Plans are underway to reinstate the defunct Uganda Airlines, in a move geared at boosting tourism and trade, Saturday Vision has learnt. The draft proposal on how the airline will conduct its business is being discussed by experts in the transport ministry, according to sources. The document will soon be discussed by Cabinet. Among the issues experts want Cabinet to consider is whether Uganda Airlines should be 100% government-owned or be under a public-private partnership. Experts argued that Uganda Airlines can operate like Ethiopian Airways, Air Tanzania, Rwanda Air and British Airways, which are government-owned, or Kenya Airways, which is a joint-venture between the Royal Dutch Airlines, KLM and the Kenyan government. The proposal also highlights internal and external routes, which Uganda Airlines will use. Sources revealed that private operators are seeking partnership with the Government to re-establish a national airline. Works and transport minister Abraham Byandala confirmed that the matter was being discussed within his ministry. "I will soon present to Cabinet the viability proposal of Government to engage in the airline business. Members will have to discuss and pass it," Byandala said. He, however, declined to comment on when Uganda Airlines would resume business or how long it would take for the airline to start operations after a Cabinet approval. Project near fruition One of the experts in the transport ministry, who preferred anonymity, said the Uganda Airlines project was near fruition and could materialise before the end of the year. "The political will is enormous. Most Cabinet ministers will back it once it is presented before them. They are even blaming us for taking long to handle the issue. They say Uganda Airlines is a symbol of national pride," a source said. Airfields under renovation Byandala told Saturday Vision that the Government had embarked on expanding and renovating airfields in Kasese, Arua and Gulu for internal operations. allafrica/stories/201307151389.html
Posted on: Mon, 15 Jul 2013 13:38:20 +0000
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