Uganda Airlines will launch flights between Entebbe and Accra, Ghana, next Tuesday, ahead of the planned introduction of the Entebbe-Kigali route, as the national carrier expands its regional network and seeks to strengthen trade and tourism links across Africa.
The two routes will increase the airline’s network to 19 destinations across Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Europe, including London-Gatwick, covering short-, medium- and long-haul markets.
Although marketed as direct flights, the Entebbe-Accra service will include a stopover in Lagos, Nigeria, as the same Boeing 737-800 aircraft will operate the route four times a week, according to Uganda Airlines.
The airline has advertised a promotional return fare of USD 550 (about 2.3 million Shillings), offering travellers an alternative to existing connections through Nairobi and Addis Ababa. Currently, Kenya Airways and Ethiopian Airlines serve the route through their respective hubs in Nairobi and Addis Ababa, increasing journey times for passengers travelling between Uganda and Ghana.
Ethiopian Airlines’ return fares range from 2.2 million to 3.3 million Shillings, while Kenya Airways charges between 2.4 million and 3.8 million Shillings, depending on demand and how far in advance tickets are booked. Fares generally tend to be lower when reservations are made well ahead of departure.
Although Uganda and Ghana have limited direct economic ties, Works and Transport Minister Fred Byamukama says improved air connectivity between East and West Africa could unlock trade and investment opportunities, particularly under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Byamukama says trade and tourism between the two regions remain relatively low, partly because of inadequate air connectivity, arguing that the new routes could help bridge the gap.
The Entebbe-Accra and Entebbe-Kigali services are expected to strengthen regional connectivity, facilitate trade and tourism, attract investment and support Uganda’s ambition to establish Entebbe as a growing aviation hub on the continent.
Uganda Airlines’ acting chief executive officer, Girma Wake, says the carrier’s strategy goes beyond transporting passengers to individual destinations to connecting markets across regions. “We were having flights that were coming from Bombay, Dubai, and London, connecting to nowhere. Now we have made that possible,” Wake said.
He explained that the airline intends to use Entebbe as a connecting hub for passengers travelling from West Africa to destinations such as India, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Tanzania. The new routes form part of the airline’s broader expansion strategy, valued at 3.7 trillion Shillings, which includes growing its regional network and expanding its fleet.
The carrier has signed an agreement with Boeing to acquire 10 new aircraft as it seeks to address capacity constraints that have affected some medium- and long-haul operations. The expansion plan also includes acquiring two dedicated cargo freighters to support the transportation of agricultural exports and other goods, potentially strengthening the airline’s role in facilitating regional and international trade.
However, the airline’s operations have recently faced disruptions, including the suspension of flights to Kinshasa over health concerns and to Dubai following the outbreak of armed conflict in the region. While flights to Dubai have resumed, services to Kinshasa remain suspended, although management has included the route in its near-term plans-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
