Uganda Airlines- the national carrier has offered to transport Ugandan Muslim pilgrims for the annual Muslim pilgrimage that is held in the holy city of Mecca in South Arabia.
The Uganda Airlines maiden trip to Saudi Arabia will take place on June19, 2023 , officials have announced.
This is another key milestone to be registered by the Uganda Airlines which last operated the route more than 40 years ago. “It is also a momentous occasion for pilgrims who will be performing this holy journey using their national carrier,” the national carrier management said in a statement issued to the media in Kampala.
This year, a total of 500 Muslims from across Uganda will be transported by Uganda Airlines aboard the Airbus A330, with the first flight from Entebbe to Jeddah.
The outbound flight, that will be operated using one of Uganda Airlines’ A330-800s, will depart Entebbe at 10:00 am local, arriving in Jeddah four hours later. The return flights will be operated from Medina to Entebbe in July 2023.
The official flag-off ceremony will be held at Entebbe Airport, officiated by the Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Katumba Wamala, Muslim Leaders, Diplomats, and other State officials.
Hajj is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, alongside Shahadah (Oath to Allah & Muhammad PBUH), Salat (prayer), Zakat (almsgiving) and Sawm (Ramadan fasting). Hajj, the 5th pillar, is an annual pilgrimage to Mecca (Saudi Arabia) that every adult Muslim who is physically and financially able must make at least once in their lifetime.
It is one of the most significant religious journeys for Muslims worldwide, gathering millions of Muslims from all over the World in Mecca and Medina to perform holy rituals and seek spiritual fulfilment.
About Uganda Airline
Uganda Airlines is Uganda’s flagship national passenger and cargo carrier that started in 2019. It provides scheduled air transportation services in East Africa and near-international markets. Uganda Airlines was awarded the World’s Youngest Aircraft Fleet Award, given by Ch-Aviation in 2020, 2021 and 2022.
