ENTEBBE, Uganda – Uganda Airlines has officially launched scheduled flights to Kigali, Rwanda, and Accra, Ghana, marking another milestone in the national carrier's strategy to strengthen connectivity across the African continent and boost trade, tourism and investment.

The launch ceremony, held on Wednesday morning at Kampala Sheraton Hotel, attracted a cross-section of government officials, diplomats and aviation stakeholders, underscoring the significance of the new routes to Uganda's regional integration agenda.

Among the dignitaries in attendance were the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Vincent Bagiire; Ambassador Ricahrd Kabonero, head of Regional Economic Cooperation at MOFA, Uganda's High Commissioner to Rwanda, Ambassador Major General (Rtd) Robert Rusoke; Rwanda's High Commissioner to Uganda, Ambassador Joseph Rutabana; and Minister of Works and Transport Fred Byamukama.

Speaking during the launch, Uganda Airlines Acting CEO Mr Girma Wake said the two destinations present enormous opportunities for the airline and the Ugandan economy.

"These destinations present significant opportunities in business, trade, tourism and investment, key drivers of air transport demand. These new cities remain under-connected to much of Eastern and Southern Africa and are currently unserved by Uganda," Wake said.

Wake also acknowledged that the Kigali route should have been introduced much earlier.

"We started the Kigali route very late. I believe it should have been launched on day one."

The addition of Kigali and Accra expands Uganda Airlines' African network, providing passengers with more direct travel options while enhancing connectivity between East and West Africa.

The Kigali route is expected to strengthen business ties, facilitate tourism and deepen the long-standing relationship between Uganda and Rwanda. Meanwhile, the Accra service opens a strategic gateway into West Africa, creating new opportunities for trade, investment, diplomatic engagement and cultural exchange.

Speaking at the launch, Ambassador Joseph Rutabana welcomed Uganda Airlines' entry into the route, saying it marks an important step towards improving air transport links between Uganda and Rwanda.

He noted that the additional carrier is expected to make travel more affordable while supporting business, tourism and people-to-people exchanges between the two neighbouring countries.

"The move could help lower airfares, expand travel options and strengthen regional connectivity," Rutabana said.

The expansion forms part of Uganda Airlines' broader growth strategy aimed at positioning Entebbe as a regional aviation hub while supporting implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) through improved air connectivity.

The new services are also expected to increase passenger traffic, facilitate cargo movement and enhance Uganda's competitiveness as a regional centre for commerce and tourism.

With the launch of the Kigali and Accra routes, Uganda Airlines continues to expand its continental footprint as it pursues its vision of connecting Uganda more efficiently to key business and tourism destinations across Africa.