No, the UK is not blocking Uganda Airlines’ direct flights to London Gatwick airport
In short, a Facebook post claims that UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy has suspended Uganda Airlines’ direct flights to London due to human rights violations. Both Ugandan Airlines and the Ugandan government have denied this.
The allegations that are circulating on Facebook alleges that British Foreign Secretary David Lamy blocked Uganda Airlines’ direct flights to London Gatwick airport due to human rights violations by the Ugandan government.
The post further argues that the UK government is imposing sanctions and travel restrictions on Ugandan officials.
The post makes soble remarks to Ramie, including calling Ugandan leaders “selfish elites,” and attributes the UK not allowing “blood money” from the Ugandan government.
Uganda Airlines is a national airline in Uganda that flies to Africa, Asia, the Middle East and other countries in Europe today.
On March 20, 2025, we announced a direct flight to London Gatwick Airport. This is a major milestone for the airline.
Lisa Chesney, the High Commissioner for Uganda, UK, participated in the announcement event for a new route in the capital, Kampala. Flights begin on May 18th.
Human rights violations in Uganda
Some watchdogs say the Ugandan government is restricting freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and objections. In the past, authorities have arrested people and jailed others for criticizing President Yoweri Museveni, but protests against corruption have led to massive arrests.
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Ugandan opposition has been repeatedly detained. Dr. Kizza Besigye and his lawyer Eron Kiiza are the most prominent people.
Similar posts can be found here and here. (Note: See the instance at the end of this report.)
But have you launched a new direct flight from Kampala to London Gatwick? I checked.
Foreign airline licenses are still valid
Uganda Airlines has published a statement through its official X account dismissing allegations that the UK’s Foreign Secretary has suspended the airline’s planned flights to Gatwick.
Uganda’s Ministry of Transport has reposted the statement using its official X account and rejected the claim.
“We want to address false reports on social media regarding the cancellation of our right to operate flights to the UK. Uganda Airlines wants to make it clear that this information is not true, in part.
There were also official statements from the UK government’s foreign, federal and development agencies in support of the statement.
Similar posts can be found here. It’s here, here, here, here, here, here.
