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With the introduction of a new international route by Uganda Airlines, the 10,000 Nigerians residing and employed in Uganda have gained the convenience of travelling back to their homeland for the weekend on Friday and returning to work on Monday. This new service will operate thrice a week, offering a seamless travel experience for this vibrant community.
Speaking at the Entebbe route launch press conference in Lagos, the chief executive officer, Uganda Airlines, Jennifer Bamuturaki, said the flight service will be three times a week and will cut travel time from 10 hours to three and half hours.
She stated that the launch of flight services to Lagos by Uganda’s national carrier would help to close the gap for travellers shuttling to the West and East African countries.
“But in addition to benefiting Nigerians, Ugandans should view this new route as a gateway to one of Africa’s largest and most prosperous nations. Our neighbours can indulge in our world-renowned coffee, plantains, red pepper, beef, poultry, cereals, and dairy products. Moreover, through our value addition initiatives, we offer a range of high-quality manufactured goods that have the potential to find eager consumers across West Africa,” emphasized Minister of Transport and Works, Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala during the launch at Pretoria Hotel on October 4, 2023.
Uganda Airlines has launched a new direct flight route to Lagos, Nigeria, opening up new potential opportunities in trade and tourism. The inaugural flight is scheduled for October 19, with flights to operate every Sunday, Monday, and Thursday.
Increasing Efficiency and Potential
According to the Uganda Airlines Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Jennifer Bamuturaki, the move aims to enhance efficiency and expedite both the transit of commodities and the mobility of individuals between the two nations. The travel time between Entebbe and Lagos will now be reduced to just four hours, compared to the previous nine hours. Bamuturaki added that the first flight will depart from Entebbe at 4 p.m., opening Uganda to an economy of about $504 billion.
Implications for Trade and Tourism
Uganda Airlines commenced commercial flights in August 2019 after nearly 20 years of inactivity. Since then, the airline has successfully secured landing rights in 12 destinations. Now, with the launch of the direct route to Nigeria, one of the largest economies in Africa with an estimated population of 220 million, new doors of trade opportunities open up. This will not only facilitate the movement of goods and services but also promote tourism attractions.
Looking Forward: Expanding Reach
While the introduction of the new route is a significant milestone, the airline’s Chief Commercial Officer, Mr. Adedayo Olawuyi, stated that Uganda Airlines intends to fly this route three times a week using a 250-seater aircraft. In addition, cargo services are expected to increase, with cargo costing $2 per kg, a substantial decrease from the previous $18. This move will indeed contribute significantly to the economic growth of both countries, fostering stronger bilateral relations.
Reception and Future Plans
The launch of the direct flights has been well received by officials from both Uganda and Nigeria. The Uganda Minister of Works and Transport, Gen Katumba Wamala, stated that the direct flights would strengthen the bilateral relations between Uganda and Nigeria and create opportunities for cooperation in various sectors. As Uganda Airlines looks forward, it has plans for three new routes scheduled for launch starting October 2023, signaling a commitment to connecting Uganda with the rest of the world.