Uganda’s gateway to the world, Entebbe International Airport, has set a new milestone, recording its highest-ever monthly passenger traffic in July 2025. A total of 230,577 passengers were handled, 119,127 arrivals and 111,450 departures averaging 7,437 travellers per day. This surpasses the previous record of 222,301 passengers in December 2024, affirming Uganda’s rising profile as a destination of choice for tourism, investment, and international engagement.
The surge in passenger numbers reflects the success of Uganda’s competitive tourism strategy, which continues to position the country as the “Pearl of Africa” with unmatched natural, cultural, and conference tourism offerings. International visitors are increasingly drawn to Uganda’s diverse attractions, from gorilla trekking in Bwindi and wildlife safaris in Murchison Falls, to Lake Victoria’s serene escapes and Kampala’s vibrant business environment.
July’s record traffic was boosted by the arrival of delegations for the African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024), a series of international conferences, and aggressive tourism promotion campaigns spearheaded by government and private stakeholders.
Improved Airline Connectivity and Uganda Airlines’ Rise
Entebbe’s performance also underscores the role of enhanced airline connectivity. With Uganda Airlines expanding its network to key destinations in Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and Asia, travelers now enjoy direct access to and from Uganda. These connections have not only facilitated tourism but also strengthened Uganda’s positioning as a regional hub for business, conferences, and cargo movement.
Cargo Growth Driving Trade
Beyond passengers, Entebbe International Airport handled 5,863 metric tonnes of cargo in July 2025, including 3,961 tonnes of exports and 1,902 tonnes of imports. This reflects Uganda’s growing role in international trade, especially for agricultural exports such as fish, flowers, coffee, and fresh produce, which continue to dominate foreign exchange earnings.
A Conducive Environment for Growth
Uganda’s aviation triumph is also a reflection of the conducive environment fostered by government policies, from infrastructure upgrades at Entebbe Airport, to investment in tourism, hospitality, and national branding. These deliberate efforts have made Uganda a safe, attractive, and reliable destination for both tourists and investors.
Learning from the World’s Best
While Uganda celebrates this record achievement, there is still room for improvement when compared to the world’s leading airports in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Airports in cities like Dubai, Doha, and Singapore have become not just transit hubs but global lifestyle destinations, fueled by partnerships between tourism, aviation, and real estate.
Uganda can take inspiration from these models. By integrating real estate development into tourism growth through modern airport cities, branded hotels, shopping precincts, and leisure facilities, Entebbe and other Ugandan destinations could attract higher-spending travellers, increase stay durations, and multiply the benefits of tourism across the economy.
The record numbers at Entebbe International Airport demonstrate more than growth in passenger traffic; they symbolize Uganda’s transformation into a competitive tourism, trade, and conference hub on the African continent. With a resilient tourism strategy, an expanding national airline, cross-sector partnerships, and continued infrastructure investment, Uganda is not only welcoming the world but also laying the foundation to match and even surpass the global benchmarks set by the world’s best airports.
