Uganda Airlines has introduced a new route between Entebbe and Accra, Ghana, in a bid to enhance trade, tourism, and investment ties between East and West Africa. This new route is the airline's 18th destination and will operate four times a week, with a stopover in Lagos, Nigeria. The airline aims to reduce travel time between Uganda and Ghana to about five hours, compared to the previous seven to 10 hours spent connecting through intermediate airports.
The launch ceremony was attended by Works and Transport minister Fred Byamukama, who highlighted the significance of the new route. He stated that the government remains committed to developing Uganda Airlines as a strategic instrument for advancing the country's trade, tourism, and wider economic ambitions. Byamukama also noted that the route to Accra should deliver stronger commercial links and lasting benefits for both countries.
Minister Byamukama praised Ghana's visa-free entry policy for holders of all categories of Ugandan passports, describing it as a positive step towards enhancing bilateral relations. He emphasized that the new connection would support the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the Single African Air Transport Market by making regional economic cooperation more practical.
State minister for Planning Amos Lugolobi described the new service as an economic bridge that would bring businesses closer to customers, investors closer to opportunities, and tourists closer to destinations. He challenged businesses in both countries to turn the improved connectivity into long-term commercial partnerships, citing opportunities for investment in Uganda's manufacturing, energy, ICT, healthcare, and financial services sectors.
Uganda Airlines chief executive officer Girma Wake said the connection would enable Ugandans to visit Ghana's historical sites, including locations associated with the transatlantic slave trade and the Ashanti Kingdom. In return, Ghanaian travellers would have easier access to Uganda's wildlife, Lake Victoria, and other attractions. Wake also highlighted the potential for cargo transportation, in addition to passenger traffic.
Uganda Civil Aviation Authority Deputy Director General Olive Birungi Lumonya noted that Uganda Airlines accounts for close to 30 per cent of passenger traffic at Entebbe International Airport, demonstrating its growing importance. She emphasized that the authority would continue to support the development of international air routes while maintaining its responsibility to oversee aviation safety, security, and regulatory compliance.
Ambassador Richard Kabonero, representing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the ministry had worked with Uganda Airlines and other stakeholders to facilitate the opening of its destinations through economic and commercial diplomacy. He welcomed the planned expansion of the airline's network, noting that improved air links would strengthen relations between Uganda and its African partners.
Key points
- The new route is expected to reduce travel time between Uganda and Ghana to about five hours.
- The route will operate four times a week, with a stopover in Lagos, Nigeria.
- Uganda Airlines accounts for close to 30 per cent of passenger traffic at Entebbe International Airport.
