A new chapter in air transport is about to take off on Lake Victoria. Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) has announced plans to introduce Uganda’s first-ever float plane — an aircraft that can land and take off on both land and water — to serve remote island communities starting in 2026.
What Is a Float Plane?
A float plane (or amphibious aircraft) is a special type of plane fitted with floats or a hull that allows it to operate from water surfaces, like lakes or rivers, as well as regular airstrips. MAF’s model, the Cessna 208 Amphibian, can carry 10 passengers or 570 kilograms of cargo, making it ideal for short-distance regional flights to hard-to-reach areas.
Why It Matters
More than 300,000 people live on islands scattered across Lake Victoria, many of whom have limited access to healthcare, markets, or government services.
Travel between islands or to the mainland often involves long, dangerous boat journeys lasting up to 12 hours — especially risky during storms.
The float plane aims to change that. A trip that once took half a day by canoe could soon take just 20 minutes by air, providing faster access to medical care, education, and trade.
The Plan
MAF’s new service will initially operate from Kajjansi Airfield, just outside Kampala, to 10 pilot islands, including Bukasa, Buyovo, Lingila, and Buvuma. The organisation plans to expand to all major islands on Lake Victoria over time.
Each island will have a small docking station, built with attention to safety, environmental impact, and community needs.
According to Sam Baguma, MAF’s Country Director, safety and accessibility are at the heart of the project:
“The isolation of the islands is a reality, and there’s no doubt about the risks people face while trying to reach them. This amphibious aircraft will make travel safer, faster, and more reliable.”
He noted that hiring a private boat from Jinja to Lingila Island can cost up to Shs500,000, whereas the float plane will charge less per seat, offering both affordability and convenience.
MAF is working closely with the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), the Ministry of Works and Transport, and NEMA to establish safety and environmental standards for seaplane operations — a first for Uganda.
