Uganda Airlines flies Pilgrims to Mecca after 40 years

Entebbe International  Airport buzzed with excitement and jubilation as Uganda Airlines, the country's national carrier, embarked on its inaugural flight for the annual Muslim pilgrimage to the Holy Land in Mecca .

This significant operation marks a major milestone for Uganda Airlines, as it becomes the first Ugandan carrier in over four decades to undertake this sacred journey.

It was equally momentous for the pilgrims, who now  have  the privilege of flying on board their own national airline  the Crane to  their holy destination.

" We had a maiden flight to Jeddah. We've taken our brothers and sisters to Mecca. Its the first time in 40 years. So its a very historic  time for us as a country and as an airline" said a smiling Jennifer Bamuturaki the CEO Uganda Airlines.

The pilgrims were officially flagged off at Entebbe International  Airport Monday morning ,  by the Minister of Works and Transport, General Edward Katumba Wamala,  esteemed Muslim leaders including the Deputy Mufti Waiswa Muhamad Ali 2nd Deputy Prime Minister Lukia Nakadama,  H. E Jamal M. Al-Madani,  the Ambassador of Saudi Arabia in Uganda, hosted  by Uganda Airlines  CEO Bamuturaki  and other dignitaries.

Minister Katumba, in his address, urged both Ugandans and non-Ugandans  to lend their support by utilizing the services of Uganda Airlines. The airline has proven to be of great importance to the nation, offering direct flights that connect Uganda to the rest of the world.

The maiden flight was operated by Captain Bob Wakhweya an accomplished pilot with vast experience in flying Airbus, supported by Captain  Rashid  Cheboy  and a selection of cabin crew . "So its going to be a happy flight i am sure" Bamuturaki stated.  

This year, Uganda Airlines will transport a total of 450  pilgrims  aboard the Airbus A330-800 5X-NIL.

The first flight departed  from Entebbe to Jeddah on Monday 19^th June 2023 at 10:30 Hours.

The Hajj pilgrimage, considered one of the Five Pillars of Islam alongside Shahadah, Salat, Zakat, and Sawm, is an annual journey to Mecca in Saudi Arabia that every physically and financially capable adult Muslim must undertake at least once in their lifetime.

It holds immense significance for Muslims worldwide, bringing together millions of worshipers from all corners of the globe in Mecca and Medina to engage in holy rituals and seek spiritual fulfillment.

The return flights for the pilgrims will be operated from Medina to Entebbe in July 2023. Uganda Airlines, established as the country's flagship national passenger and cargo carrier in 2019, provides scheduled air transportation services within East Africa and nearby international markets.

The airline has garnered recognition for its commitment to excellence, receiving the prestigious World's Youngest Aircraft Fleet Award from Ch-Aviation in 2020, 2021, and 2022.