Uganda’s air cargo sector has gained international recognition after Entebbe-based Jet Fresh Cargo was named among six finalists for the General Sales and Service Agent (GSSA) of the Year award at the 2026 Air Cargo News Awards in London. The company faces competition from global industry leaders, including 4RCargo, ECS Group, FlyUs Aviation Group, Network Airline Services, and Wexco Airfreight (UK), with the winner set to be announced on October 21 at the Royal Lancaster London hotel during the 42nd edition of the awards.
The nomination marks a significant milestone for Jet Fresh, which has operated in Uganda since 2023. The company specializes in transporting temperature-sensitive exports such as flowers, chilled meat, fish, and fresh produce to over 90 destinations across the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and North America. Its role in facilitating Uganda’s agricultural exports underscores the critical need for reliable air cargo services, as delays or mishandling can severely impact the quality and value of perishable goods.
Jet Fresh CEO Wail Dagash emphasized that the nomination reflects the collaborative efforts of airline partners, customers, regulators, and ground-handling agencies. He specifically acknowledged Flynas Cargo and WCS for entrusting Jet Fresh with the GSSA role in Uganda, the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority for its sector support, and Menzies Cargo Entebbe for its handling partnership. ‘This nomination is not only a recognition of our company and team but also of Uganda’s growing role in the African air cargo industry,’ Dagash stated.
The GSSA category has a history of recognizing industry leaders, with FlyUs Aviation Group winning the 2025 award and Network Airline Services receiving a highly commended nod. Both companies are again among the finalists this year, highlighting the competitive landscape. Jet Fresh’s inclusion alongside these established players positions Uganda’s air cargo sector on a global stage, despite the country’s relatively nascent presence in the industry.
One of Jet Fresh’s key partners, Fresh Perch, a Ugandan seafood exporter, praised the company’s expertise in handling time- and temperature-sensitive cargo. Sachin Chavan, Fresh Perch’s Director of Operations, noted that the company has partnered with Jet Fresh for nearly two years without encountering quality issues. ‘Our product requires specialized handling, and Jet Fresh has consistently met our needs,’ Chavan said, adding that fish is transported from processing facilities to Entebbe International Airport within minutes for global distribution to markets like Jeddah, Muscat, and Dubai.
Dagash highlighted the nomination as an opportunity to elevate Uganda’s export ambitions. He urged farmers, packhouses, and exporters to engage confidently with international buyers, emphasizing that Jet Fresh’s services ensure Ugandan products reach global markets in optimal condition. ‘Our call to action is for Ugandan producers to reach out to buyers with confidence, knowing their goods will compete with the best in the world,’ he said.
The nomination aligns with Uganda’s broader efforts to expand its agricultural exports. Reliable air cargo infrastructure is vital for moving high-value, perishable goods, which require speed and precision to maintain competitiveness. Jet Fresh’s operations from Entebbe position it as a bridge between local producers and international markets, with its digital tagline—‘From Uganda’s Soil, Powered by Ugandan Exporters’—reflecting its mission to connect local agriculture to global demand.
As the awards ceremony approaches, the shortlist has already elevated Jet Fresh’s profile, showcasing Uganda’s potential in the air cargo sector. Whether the company wins the GSSA of the Year award, its presence among global competitors underscores the country’s growing influence in international trade and the critical role of air cargo in sustaining Uganda’s export economy.
The recognition also highlights the importance of regulatory and logistical support for Uganda’s aviation sector. The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority’s role in fostering a conducive environment for air cargo operations has been pivotal, according to Dagash. He noted that partnerships with ground-handling agencies like Menzies Cargo Entebbe have further strengthened Jet Fresh’s ability to meet international standards.
With the global air cargo market increasingly focused on efficiency and sustainability, Jet Fresh’s model of specialized, temperature-controlled logistics offers a blueprint for other African nations seeking to expand their export capabilities. The company’s success underscores the need for continued investment in infrastructure and training to support Uganda’s agricultural and industrial growth.
The upcoming awards ceremony will not only determine the GSSA of the Year winner but also serve as a platform to spotlight Uganda’s emerging air cargo sector. For Jet Fresh, the nomination is a testament to its dedication to quality and its role in connecting Ugandan producers to the world, reinforcing the country’s potential as a key player in global trade networks.