• Uganda Airlines has reached a historic milestone after its engineers successfully carried out the first-ever in-house aircraft engine replacement on a CRJ900 (5X-KNP). 
  • Previously reliant on foreign facilities for such heavy technical work, the airline saved over $100,000 by completing the task at Entebbe using its own Approved Maintenance Organisation (AMO). 

A major milestone has been reached by Uganda Airlines after its engineering team successfully carried out the very first in-house engine replacement on one of its CRJ900 aircraft (registration: 5X-KNP).

The complex job apparently involved removing the old left engine and fitting in a new General Electric CF34-8C5 engine. The old one will now be sent back to the manufacturer for scheduled upgrades before being reused on the opposite side of the plane.

It should be noted that in the past, Uganda Airlines has had to rely on foreign facilities to carry out such heavy technical work. This process often cost over \$100,000 plus ferrying and handling fees meaning that this is cost saving.

Therefore completing the task in Entebbe with its own Approved Maintenance Organisation (AMO), the airline has not only saved money but also proved that Ugandan engineers are capable of handling world-class aviation maintenance.

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The Head of Maintenance and Engineering, Peter Emuge praised the team’s achievement. He explained that while engine changes normally take about 48 hours, the airline took more time on this first attempt to give younger engineers hands-on learning experience.

Additionally, Uganda Airlines is also grooming future aviation professionals. Currently, 18 young graduates from Soroti Flying School and Makerere University are in a mentorship program which is preparing them to earn aircraft maintenance licenses within the next three years.

Meanwhile the CEO Jenifer Bamuturaki said the success proves that Ugandans can run every aspect of their national airline.

When we restarted operations, some people doubted whether Ugandans could do this kind of work. Today, our engineers have shown they are more than capable.

This achievement comes just days before the airline celebrates its sixth anniversary on August 28, 2025. Furthermore the successful engine change marks a step toward long-term independence, building technical expertise within Uganda and reducing reliance on foreign contractors and b just saving money,