Earlier this week, officials from Uganda Airlines publicly announced that their planes, referred to as Kibaluma, would be arriving in the UK at various airports.
However, shortly afterward, reports surfaced indicating that high-ranking UK government officials had dismissed Uganda Airlines’ claims, stating they could not collaborate with a government that is oppressing its citizens, and that the UK government is aware of the situation in Kampala.
In response to this news, Uganda Airlines officials quickly reaffirmed that their Foreign Carriers Permit is still valid and that they are on track with preparations for the inaugural flight scheduled for May 18.
The airline emphasized that the circulating reports were inaccurate and assured passengers that ticket sales and other arrangements for the launch were on schedule.
Reports suggest that UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy has directed an immediate halt to the route due to concerns regarding Uganda’s human rights record in relation to supporters of the National Unity Platform, as depicted in the media.
In recent months, Uganda has faced significant criticism from the international community and foreign human rights organizations, which has even led to some of its public officials being prohibited from traveling to certain countries.
This backlash has been driven by the advocacy of the National Unity Platform as well as the anti-LGBTQ law that was enacted a few years ago.
