By Sharon Kyomugisha.
Uganda Airlines has unveiled two new African destinations, Kigali and Accra, as the national carrier continues to expand its regional network and position Entebbe International Airport as a strategic gateway linking East, Central and West Africa.
The new routes were launched in Kigali, with Minister of Works and Transport Fred Byamukama describing the expansion as another milestone in the airline’s growth and Uganda’s broader economic agenda.
Byamukama said Uganda Airlines was revived to reconnect Uganda to the world while supporting trade, tourism and investment. He noted that every new destination strengthens economic ties, creates business opportunities and raises Uganda’s profile across the continent.
“The choice of Kigali and Accra is deliberate and strategic,” he said.
He explained that Kigali, as Uganda’s neighbour and partner in the East African Community, will deepen regional integration and make travel for business, tourism and cultural exchange more convenient. Accra, he said, opens a direct link to one of West Africa’s leading commercial and financial centres.
According to Byamukama, the new services will also support implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area by improving the movement of people, goods and services across the continent.
He said the expansion aligns with Uganda’s Tenfold Growth Strategy under the Fourth National Development Plan and reinforces the country’s ambition to become a modern, globally connected economy.
The Minister reaffirmed government’s commitment to the national carrier, saying Uganda Airlines remains central to Uganda’s economic transformation.
He also highlighted the airline’s fleet expansion programme, under which Uganda Airlines will acquire four Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, four Boeing 787 Dreamliners and two dedicated freighters to strengthen both passenger and cargo operations.
“This expansion is a testament to our vision of building a modern, competitive airline that serves Ugandans, connects Africa and positions Entebbe International Airport as the preferred regional hub,” he said.
Uganda Airlines will begin four weekly flights to Accra on 27 October 2026 using a Boeing 737-800, while daily flights to Kigali will commence on 18 November 2026 aboard the CRJ900.
The airline says the Accra route will strengthen business, diplomatic and tourism links between Uganda and Ghana while improving connectivity between East and West Africa. It is also expected to support trade, investment and cargo movement.
The Kigali service is intended to strengthen regional integration within the East African Community, improve business and leisure travel, and provide seamless onward connections through Entebbe.
Acting Chief Executive Officer Ato Girma Wake described the launch of the two destinations as another important step in Uganda Airlines’ expansion strategy.
“The launch of Accra and Kigali marks another milestone in our growth strategy. As Africa’s connectivity continues to expand, these routes will strengthen commercial and tourism links while offering our passengers greater convenience and more travel options,” he said.
Wake said the airline remains focused on building a commercially sustainable route network, maintaining safe and reliable operations, delivering quality customer service and positioning Entebbe as a strategic aviation hub for Africa.
The addition of Kigali and Accra further expands Uganda Airlines’ African network as the carrier pursues its long-term strategy of strengthening regional connectivity while supporting Uganda’s economic development.
