The Minister of Works and Transport Fred Byamukama (Centre) officiated the relaunch of Jambojet daily direct Nairobi–Entebbe flights. The flight was welcomed with a water salute at Entebbe International Airport on October 1, 2026.Low-cost Kenyan carrier Jambojet has returned to Uganda’s airspace, resuming flights on the busy Entebbe-Nairobi route.The airline’s comeback was marked at an event at Entebbe International Airport on October 1, officiated by State Minister for Works and Transport Fred Byamukama.Byamukama said the return is more than a resumption of flights, but a vote of confidence in Uganda’s aviation system and a reflection of deep ties between Uganda and Kenya.“This occasion is much more than the resumption of flights. It is a demonstration of the confidence that airline operators continue to place in Government and in UCAA’s commitment to safety, efficiency and excellence,” Byamukama said.He noted Kenya remains one of Uganda’s most important trading partners and a critical gateway to regional and global markets, with the Entebbe-Nairobi route being one of the busiest and most competitive. Nairobi ranks among the top three destinations for passengers departing Uganda.Air transport, he said, is a catalyst for regional integration, economic growth and social development, connecting businesses to markets, tourists to destinations and families to one another.“The return of Jambojet reaffirms the bonds between our two nations and contributes directly to the East African Community’s vision of a more connected, integrated and prosperous region,” he said.Byamukama said Uganda has so far concluded Bilateral Air Services Agreements with 64 countries to facilitate expansion of international connectivity.He said Government will continue providing infrastructure and policy support for aviation growth, citing the ongoing expansion of Entebbe International Airport, development of Kabalega International Airport which this week handled passenger flights, and the development of Kidepo International Airport by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce.Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) Director General Fred Bamwesigye welcomed Jambojet as the 21st international operator at Entebbe, saying competition enhances efficiency and affordability.“A vibrant aviation sector is the lifeblood of economic growth. Whenever you have competition, it enhances efficiency and cost effectiveness. Jambojet is expected to play a critical role in providing affordable air transport,” Bamwesigye said.He said UCAA will hold operators to the highest safety and security standards, noting Uganda scored 72.64% in the ICAO Universal Safety Oversight Audit in 2023 against regional and global averages of 55% and 69.4%, and 81.6% in the 2024 security audit against averages of 64.5% and 72.36%.Bamwesigye said international passenger traffic has grown from 118,000 in 1991 when UCAA was established to 2.48 million in 2025, with growth only interrupted earlier this year by Middle East airspace closures and the now-ended Ebola outbreak.He said UCAA has completed modification of the current terminal building in 2024 and a new 20,000 square metre terminal building soon to be opened, with three additional aerobridges bringing the total to five, 24 extra check-in counters plus 14 self-check-in counters, raising capacity from 2 million to 3.5 million international passengers annually.The airport car parking system has also been revamped with License Plate Recognition, touchless interaction and mobile payment integration, he added.He reminded stakeholders that Uganda regained a seat on the ICAO Council last year, giving it a stronger voice in setting international civil aviation standards.The post Entebbe-Nairobi Route Heats Up: Byamukama, UCAA Hail Jambojet Comeback as Vote of Confidence in Uganda Aviation appeared first on Business Focus.