Works minister Gen Edward Katumba Wamala is encouraging Ugandans to show their support for the national carrier, Uganda Airlines, as it expands its services to new destinations. The airline, which is less than three years old, faced a challenging start with negative publicity. However, it is now on track to connect with 13 destinations worldwide.
Gen Katumba made this appeal during the Uganda-Nigeria Trade and Business Forum in Kampala, emphasizing the importance of patronizing the national carrier to help it expand its network. Uganda Airlines is scheduled to launch its first flight from Entebbe to Lagos, Nigeria, on October 19.
The minister believes that this direct flight to Lagos will create opportunities, particularly in the oil and gas sector, for both countries. He stated, “The operation opens opportunities to Ugandans in oil and gas, agriculture, education, and tourism, which will transform these sectors because Nigeria has a big economy of more than 220 million people whose aviation and airline sector is already developed.”
Gen Katumba also highlighted the potential for Ugandan exports to the Nigerian market, including manufactured goods, fish, chili, cassava, wheat, fruits, and vegetables.
Ms Jennifer Bamuturaki, the CEO of Uganda Airlines, pointed out that Africa is underserved in terms of air transport and that the direct flights to Nigeria will improve connectivity to West Africa. She stated, “The operation to Lagos creates an air bridge to West Africa that breaks a cross-connectivity pattern that impedes swift interconnectivity in East Africa.”
Previously, the journey from Entebbe to Lagos took over 10 hours, but with the introduction of the direct flight, it will now take only four hours. Ms Elsie G Attafuah, the UNDP’s resident representative for Uganda, pledged to sponsor 40 women on the maiden flight to Nigeria with tickets.
The Nigerian High Commissioner, Mr. Ismail Ayobami, expressed his commitment to strengthening trade ties between the two countries during his tenure in Uganda. He sees the introduction of direct flights from Entebbe to Lagos as a significant step toward achieving this goal.
Nigeria, with its population of more than 220 million people, boasts the largest economy on the African continent.
Uganda Airlines, the country’s flagship national passenger and cargo carrier, commenced operations in 2019. The direct route to Lagos, Nigeria, marks the airline’s 13th destination.
