The Ugandan government is in discussions with Boeing to acquire cargo freighters, aiming to bolster agriculture exports. Approval for the purchase of a Boeing 777F and a Boeing 737-800BCF was recently granted, with negotiations on terms ongoing. This move seeks to elevate Uganda Airlines' cargo transport capabilities, directly supporting the nation's agriculture sector. Agriculture is a cornerstone of Uganda's economy, accounting for over 24% of GDP and employing 70% of its populace. The introduction of cargo aircraft is anticipated to facilitate the export of perishables like fruits, vegetables, and flowers.
Forex earnings from agriculture exports, including coffee, fish, and horticulture, have been growing steadily. The cargo aircraft acquisition is expected to mitigate logistical challenges, diminish dependency on external carriers, and enhance the competitiveness of Ugandan exports through improved delivery speeds and handling. Concurrently, Uganda is upgrading airfields to international standards, aiming to foster economic growth with a focus on boosting agricultural exports. These upgrades, targeting airfields such as Gulu, Kasese, and Arua, aim to support the agro-export sector, which generates over $2 billion annually. Gulu Airport is being prepped for international operations, including hosting AFCON, while Arua Airfield has seen advancements in infrastructure, improving access to international markets for Northern Uganda's farmers and exporters. Plans for Kasese Airfield are also in progress, enhancing national cargo and passenger service coverage and aiming to alleviate export bottlenecks and promote regional air cargo logistics.
Source: ChimpReports