✓ Policy web-verified 2026-05-31
Uganda Airlines (UR) is the national flag carrier of Uganda, relaunched in 2019 and flying from its Entebbe (EBB) hub across East and Southern Africa, the Gulf, India and the UK. Its baggage policy is unusually generous for the African market: international Economy passengers get two free checked bags, not one, plus a cabin bag and a personal item. This guide covers the current 2026 cabin and checked rules, dimensions, weights and the fees that apply when you go over.
The headline numbers: 7 kg cabin bag plus a personal item, and on international Economy fares two checked pieces of 23 kg each. Business Class lifts each checked piece to 32 kg. Allowances can differ on shorter regional sectors and by booking class.
Quick facts
| Personal item | Fits under seat, up to ~18.5 x 13.5 x 8.5 in (47 x 34 x 21 cm) |
| Cabin bag | 7 kg, up to ~24 x 16 x 10 in (56 x 36 x 23 cm) |
| Checked (Economy) | 2 x 23 kg pieces (international), max 158 cm total |
| Checked (Business) | 2 x 32 kg pieces, max 158 cm total |
| Excess/extra bag | Roughly USD 85-95 per extra piece; per-kg charges vary by route |
Cabin bag & personal item
| Item | Allowance |
|---|---|
| Personal / under-seat item | Approx. 18.5 x 13.5 x 8.5 in (47 x 34 x 21 cm). One small personal item (handbag, laptop bag or slim backpack) that fits under the seat in front, in addition to the cabin bag. |
| Cabin / carry-on bag | Approx. 24 x 16 x 10 in (56 x 36 x 23 cm) · 7 kg Free in all fares (1 piece) |
Checked baggage & fees
| Checked allowance | Economy international: 2 pieces free. Business: 2 pieces free. Regional/short sectors and some promotional fares may allow only 1 piece. |
| Weight limit | 23 kg per piece (Economy); 32 kg per piece (Business) |
| Typical fee | Extra/excess bags roughly USD 85-95 per piece; overweight and per-kg charges vary by route and are cheaper if pre-paid online |
What each fare includes
| Fare | Personal | Cabin | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy (international, standard) | Included | 7 kg + personal item | 2 x 23 kg |
| Economy (regional / promotional) | Included | 7 kg + personal item | 1-2 x 23 kg |
| Business Class | Included | 7 kg + personal item (often 2 cabin pieces) | 2 x 32 kg |
What you actually get on a cheap fare
What you get at deal prices: Uganda Airlines’ cheapest published Economy fares are genuinely full-service for baggage. Unlike European or Gulf budget-stripped fares, the lead-in Economy ticket includes a 7 kg cabin bag and a checked allowance of 1 x 23 kg as standard — and on most international routes you actually receive two 23 kg pieces free. That means a deal fare to Entebbe, Mumbai, Dubai or Johannesburg typically covers a full hold bag with no add-on, which is rare at this price point in Africa.
Deal-hunter tip: the two-piece Economy allowance makes UR strong value for travellers carrying gifts, trade goods or sports gear.
Oversize, sports & special items
Dimensions and the 158 cm rule: each checked piece must not exceed 158 cm (62 in) in total dimensions (length + width + height). Bags over this size are treated as oversize and attract an additional fee on top of the piece charge.
Overweight and excess: a single checked piece must not exceed its fare limit (23 kg Economy / 32 kg Business). Going over the weight, or adding a third-or-more bag, triggers excess charges — commonly in the region of USD 85-95 per extra piece, with per-kilogram overweight rates that vary by route. Always check the exact rate for your sector, as charges differ between regional African, Gulf, Indian and UK routes.
Sports and musical equipment: items such as golf clubs, bicycles (boxed) and skis travel as checked baggage and count toward your allowance; oversize sporting goods may incur the oversize fee. Bulky musical instruments can be carried in the cabin as an extra seat (CBBG — Cabin Baggage) by purchasing a separate seat, subject to weight and securing rules, or checked within the standard limits.
Restricted and special items: spare lithium batteries and power banks must travel in cabin baggage, never in the hold. Liquids in cabin bags follow the standard 100 ml container rule through security. Declare valuables and fragile items at check-in.
Frequently asked questions
How many bags can I check for free on Uganda Airlines?
On international Economy fares you typically get two free checked pieces of 23 kg each; Business Class also gets two pieces but at 32 kg each. Shorter regional sectors and some promotional fares may allow only one piece, so check your specific ticket.
What is the cabin baggage allowance on Uganda Airlines?
One cabin bag up to 7 kg (about 56 x 36 x 23 cm) plus one smaller personal item such as a handbag or laptop bag that fits under the seat in front of you.
How much does an extra or excess bag cost on Uganda Airlines?
An additional checked piece beyond your free allowance commonly costs around USD 85-95, and overweight bags are charged per kilogram. Exact rates vary by route, and pre-paying online is usually cheaper than paying at the airport.
What is the maximum weight per checked bag?
23 kg per piece in Economy and 32 kg per piece in Business Class. A single piece cannot exceed its class weight limit even if your total allowance has spare capacity.
What are the size limits for checked baggage?
Each checked piece must not exceed 158 cm (62 inches) in total dimensions — that is length plus width plus height combined. Larger bags are treated as oversize and incur an extra fee.
Does the cheapest Uganda Airlines fare include a checked bag?
Yes. Unlike many budget-stripped fares, Uganda Airlines' lead-in Economy fare includes a 7 kg cabin bag and at least one 23 kg checked bag as standard, and most international routes include two checked pieces free.
Can I carry sports equipment or a musical instrument?
Sports gear like golf clubs, boxed bicycles and skis travels as checked baggage and counts toward your allowance; oversize items may attract an oversize fee. Large instruments can fly in the cabin on a purchased extra seat (CBBG) or be checked within the standard limits.
Are baggage allowances the same on all Uganda Airlines routes?
No. Weights and the number of free pieces can differ between international long-haul, Gulf, Indian, UK and short regional African sectors, and by fare or booking class.