KAMPALA, Uganda – Uganda Airlines has renewed its partnership with the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) to transport Muslim pilgrims to Mecca for the Hajj pilgrimage.
The partnership, now in its third year, was confirmed by Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa, Deputy Mufti of Uganda, during an Iftar dinner hosted by Uganda Airlines at the Sheraton Hotel in Kampala on Thursday
“How we wish that we create packages that will enable even our students, the young ones, to be able to visit the holy places,” Sheikh Waiswa said. “Simply, we look forward to a better relationship, and we thank you very much for this gesture.”
Uganda Airlines Chief Executive Officer Jennifer Bamuturaki reiterated the airline’s commitment to supporting the Muslim community and facilitating the Hajj pilgrimage.
“Our first pilgrims flew with us about two years ago, and we continue to do the same,” she said. “We work with travel operators to handle these bookings. And, as we get better at it, we take more and more of them. We have some bookings, as the team mentioned, and it’s exciting because we are supporting, as the national carrier, everyone, regardless of tribe, regardless of religion.”
Bamuturaki added that the airline hopes to establish a route to Israel in the future.
“We are hoping that one day we will also do a route to Israel,” she said. “But for now, we’re excited that we are supporting the Muslim brothers to go to Mecca.”
Uganda Airlines, the national carrier for Uganda, has grown significantly since its re-establishment in 2018. The airline started operating in 2019 with two planes but has since expanded its fleet to six aircraft, flying to around more than 20 destinations across Africa and Asia.
Some of the destinations served by Uganda Airlines include Burundi, China, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, India, Kenya, Nigeria, Somalia, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Uganda Airlines Chief Operating Officer Adedayo Olawuyi emphasized the airline’s dedication to fostering connections and promoting socio-economic development in Uganda.
Uganda Airlines Chief Operating Officer Adedayo Olawuyi emphasized the airline’s dedication to fostering connections and promoting socio-economic development in Uganda.
“Uganda Airlines has always strived to be more than just a provider of air travel,” he said. “We aim to be a true partner in progress, fostering connections that transcend borders, cultures, and communities.”
Olawuyi commended the Muslim community for supporting the national carrier.
“This evening, as we partake in the Iftar, we also celebrate the rich tapestry of diversity that defines our stakeholder family,” he said. “It is this diversity that strengthens us and propels us towards a future of shared success.”
Olawuyi expressed gratitude to stakeholders, partners, and team members for their support.
“I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our stakeholders, partners, and team members who have been instrumental in our journey thus far,” he said. “Your support, trust, and collaboration are the cornerstones of our success, and we are profoundly grateful for your continued partnership.”
