Team size: Six

Q&A

What are the most significant cases or transactions that your legal team has recently been involved in? 

One of the most significant transactions we have supported has been Uganda Airlines’ fleet expansion programme, particularly the negotiations and execution of the aircraft purchase agreements relating to the acquisition of four Boeing 737 MAX and four Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. This is a multi billion dollar transaction. This transaction is strategically important because it supports the airline’s long-term growth plans, network expansion, fleet modernisation and cargo development strategy. The legal team’s role covered the full transaction lifecycle, including contract negotiations, regulatory compliance, government approvals, governance processes, financing considerations and stakeholder engagement.  

In parallel, we have been supporting the airline’s turnaround strategy, including the legal work associated with exploring strategic partnerships and potential acquisitions in aviation-related businesses such as the cargo warehouse, construction of an aircraft hangar, ground handling and inflight catering facility. These initiatives are aimed at transforming Uganda Airlines from a traditional passenger carrier into a diversified aviation services group with multiple revenue streams and enhanced operational resilience.  

Beyond transactions, our legal department continues to play a central role in strengthening corporate governance, risk management and regulatory compliance across the airline.  

How do you navigate the legal complexities of cross-border transactions within the East African Community (EAC) and beyond? 

The aviation industry is inherently international and Uganda Airlines currently operates scheduled flights to the entire East African Region with a planned route launch to Kigali Rwanda in November 2026. Therefore, cross-border legal and regulatory issues form a core part of the legal team’s daily work. That aside, the airline operates in multiple jurisdictions, and the legal team frequently engages with international Original Equipment manufacturers like Boeing, Airbus, General Electric and Rolls Royce among others. Additionally, we engage with financiers, aircraft lessors, airports and regulators, and must ensure compliance with a diverse range of legal and regulatory requirements. 

Our approach begins with early legal involvement in strategic initiatives so that legal and regulatory risks are identified at the outset rather than after commercial decisions have already been made and a dispute has arisen. The airline works in a highly regulated environment and the legal team is at the table at the onset and supports the operational teams throughout the transactions.

Within the EAC, there is an increasing drive towards regional integration, which creates significant opportunities for trade and connectivity. However, differences in regulatory implementation still exist. We therefore place considerable emphasis on thorough due diligence, compliance reviews and robust contractual protections. The objective is to create certainty, manage risk and facilitate transactions that enable the airline to expand sustainably while maintaining full regulatory compliance.  

What trends are you seeing in foreign investment into the region, and how does your role support or facilitate these opportunities? 

The EAC continues to attract growing interest from international investors due to its strategic location. We are seeing increasing investor interest in sectors such as aviation, logistics, infrastructure, energy, technology and tourism, all of which are vital drivers of regional economic development. 

Within the aviation sector specifically, there is a growing recognition of Africa’s untapped potential in passenger traffic, air cargo, aviation services and regional connectivity. At Uganda Airlines, our role is to create a legal and governance environment that inspires investor confidence and supports sustainable partnerships.  

The legal team’s role is to facilitate these opportunities by supporting transaction structuring, negotiating commercial agreements, obtaining the necessary approvals and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and governance requirements.  

In light of increasing regulatory scrutiny across sectors in East Africa, how are you adapting your compliance frameworks to stay ahead of change? 

The regulatory environment is becoming more complex and dynamic, particularly in sectors such as aviation, data protection, anti-money laundering, governance and environmental compliance. To stay ahead of these developments, we have adopted a more proactive and risk-based compliance approach. 

Firstly, we conduct continuous monitoring of legislative and regulatory developments at both national and international levels. Secondly, we have strengthened engagement between the legal, risk, internal audit and operational teams to ensure that compliance is embedded within business processes rather than treated as a standalone legal exercise. 

Importantly, compliance is now incorporated into enterprise risk management, enabling the Board and management to receive a more holistic view of the airline’s risk exposure and mitigation strategies.