Uganda Airlines has announced the opening of two new routes to Kigali Rwanda and Accra Ghana bringing the total number of routes being operated by the national carrier to 19.
At a colorful launch event held at Sheraton Hotel in the Capital Kampala, Mr. Girma Wake , the Acting Chief Executive Officer and consultant for Uganda Airlines , said that the national carrier will launch its Accra destination on 27th October, 2026 and will fly the route four times weekly and the Kigali route will be launched on November 18th ,2026 and will be a daily flight , respectively .
The Veteran aviator who is at the helm to stabilize Uganda Airlines which had run into structural and operational challenges leading to delayed and cancelation of flights- underscored the need for improved connectivity on the African continent and said the national carrier was now in a much improved position to offer timely and efficient services to its fast growing clientele .
Wake justified the decision to open the new routes saying improved scheduling and connectivity within the EAC region and the continent would lead to increased traffic volumes to facilitate businesses, trade and tourism.
“The Kigali and Accra destinations will unlock new opportunities for both the airline and Uganda’s economy . These routes present significant opportunities in business, trade , tourism and investment –which are key drivers for air transport demand ,” Wake stated adding that Kigali and Accra remain under-connected to the East and Southern Africa and Uganda Airlines is going to bridge that gap.
Wake , however , regretted to note that the Kigali route has come rather too late- noting it should have been launched on day –one.
The Minister of Works and Transport Mr. Fred Byamukama ,presided over the announcement event , and told the audience that the choice of Kigali and Accra was deliberate and strategic- to deepen regional ties and facilitate easier movement for business, tourism, and cultural exchange; While Accra, a vibrant hub in West Africa, will open doors for Ugandans to engage fully with the dynamic economies of the region, while also welcoming Ghanaian people to explore the beauty and opportunities Uganda has to offer.
“These routes will not only strengthen bilateral relations but also contribute to the realisation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by making travel and commerce across our continent more accessible and efficient,” Byamukama stated.
The minister explained that the opportunities created by an expanded route network, from trade and export growth to increased tourism and greater foreign investment, align with Uganda’s Tenfold Growth Strategy under the National Development Plan IV (NDP IV), an agenda to transform Uganda into a modern, prosperous and globally connected economy.
“By strengthening and expanding our aviation sector, we are laying the foundation for accelerated growth across industries, ensuring that Uganda Airlines becomes both a driver and a symbol of our country’s long-term aspirations.”
In order to support further growth and expansion of the national carrier, Byamukama said that government led by President Yoweri Museveni ,funded a fleet expansion program- to bring on board eight brand-new aircraft from Boeing: four midrange Boeing 737s to strengthen regional and continental routes, and four wide-body Boeing 787 Dreamliners to position Uganda Airlines for long-haul intercontinental flights.
Another two freighters are also being ordered to launch dedicated cargo operations to ensure Uganda plays a bigger role in global trade and logistics.
Board Chairperson, at Uganda Airlines , Priscilla Mirembe Serukka, noted that the new Accra route will open an important air bridge into West Africa, linking Uganda more directly to one of the continent’s most dynamic business and cultural centres.
“ We are building a network that connects Uganda to the region, to the continent, and to the wider world. Each new destination must serve a larger purpose: supporting national development, improving connectivity for travelers, and creating long- term value for the Ugandan people,” the Board Chair added.
The event was attended by among others the Permanent Secretary , Ministry of Foreign Affairs , Mr. Vincent Bagiire Waiswa, Deputy Director General , Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) , Mrs. Olive Birungi Lumonya ,Uganda High Commissioner to Rwanda , Ambassador Maj.Gen. (Rtd) Robert Rusoke, and Rwanda’s High Commissioner to Uganda , Joseph Rutabana .
