Speaking during the launch, the airline’s Chief Executive Officer, Girma Wake, described the new routes as a significant milestone in advancing regional integration while promoting trade, tourism and business across the continent.
Wake announced that direct flights between Entebbe and Accra will commence on 27 October 2026, operating four times a week, while the Entebbe–Kigali service will begin on 18 November 2026. He added that the airline plans to gradually increase the Kigali service to daily flights, allowing same-day return travel and offering greater convenience for both business and leisure travellers.
“The launch of Accra and Kigali marks another key milestone in Uganda Airlines’ growth strategy,” Wake said.
“As Africa’s connectivity continues to grow, these routes will strengthen commercial and tourism links while offering our guests greater convenience and more travel choices. We remain committed to connecting Africa and supporting regional integration through reliable and efficient air transport.”
Wake noted that Accra has become one of Africa’s key aviation gateways, particularly for passengers travelling between the United States and Africa.
“Ghana is today a major hub for African trade. This route will significantly expand Uganda’s market while giving us access to English-speaking West Africa,” he said.
To enhance the passenger experience, Wake also announced increased baggage allowances, with Business Class travellers entitled to 60 kilograms and Economy Class passengers 46 kilograms.
Speaking at the launch ceremony on Wednesday, Minister of Works and Transport Fred Byamukama reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transforming Uganda Airlines into a leading regional and intercontinental carrier while positioning Entebbe International Airport as a major aviation hub in Africa.
“This investment demonstrates that government is fully committed to the growth of Uganda Airlines,” Byamukama said. “We have recently funded a fleet expansion programme by placing an order for eight brand-new Boeing aircraft.”
He said the new routes support Uganda’s National Development Plan III by promoting tourism, trade, investment and exports.
“The opportunities created by an expanded route network—from trade and export growth to increased tourism and foreign investment—align perfectly with Uganda’s development agenda,” he added.
Uganda Airlines Board Chairperson Priscilla Mirembe Serukka described the launch as another milestone in the airline’s carefully planned expansion strategy.
“These routes deepen Uganda’s connectivity across Africa, bringing people closer, supporting commerce, strengthening tourism and enabling investment,” Serukka said.
She noted that each new destination is selected based on its contribution to national development and the airline’s long-term commercial sustainability.
“Our focus remains on sustainable growth, sound governance, operational excellence and long-term competitiveness,” she added.
The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Vincent Waiswa Bagiire, said the expansion of Uganda Airlines’ network would strengthen diplomacy, trade, tourism and investment across Africa.
He observed that improved air connectivity creates greater economic opportunities by facilitating the movement of people, goods and services.
“The national carrier must do more than fly aircraft. It must fly the Ugandan flag, open markets and shorten the distance between opportunity and enterprise,” Bagiire said.
He added that the direct Accra route strengthens Uganda’s access to West Africa, while the Kigali service reinforces the long-standing historical, cultural and economic ties between Uganda and Rwanda.
With the addition of Kigali and Accra to its network, Uganda Airlines continues to expand its footprint across Africa as it prepares for long-haul operations backed by fleet expansion, enhanced cargo capacity and stronger regional connectivity.
