Uganda Airlines has expanded its African network with the launch of scheduled flights to Accra, Ghana, and Kigali, Rwanda, in a move aimed at strengthening regional connectivity, boosting trade and tourism, and positioning Entebbe International Airport as a regional aviation hub.
Works and Transport Minister Fred Byamukama unveiled the new routes on Wednesday, describing them as a key milestone in Uganda's regional integration agenda.
He said the Kigali service will deepen economic ties within the East African Community by facilitating business travel, tourism and cultural exchange, while the Accra route will provide Uganda with a direct gateway to West Africa and support implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
"Each new route we open is a bridge that brings our people closer together, creates economic opportunities and enhances Uganda's position on the African continent," Byamukama said.
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Uganda Airlines said flights to Accra will commence on October 27, 2026, operating four times a week, while daily flights to Kigali will begin on November 18, 2026.
The Accra route will be operated using a Boeing 737-800 aircraft, while the Kigali service will be served by a Bombardier CRJ900.
According to the airline, the new destinations form part of its strategy to build a commercially sustainable route network and strengthen Entebbe International Airport as a gateway connecting East, West and Southern Africa.
The airline said Kigali's growing role as a regional business centre makes it a strategic destination for business and leisure travel, while the Accra route is expected to unlock new opportunities for trade, tourism and cargo between Uganda and West Africa.
Chief Executive Officer Girma Wake said the expansion reflects the airline's long-term growth strategy despite operational challenges that have constrained its performance in recent months.
Wake said Uganda Airlines has improved schedule reliability, reduced flight cancellations and reorganised its timetable to improve connections through Entebbe by linking arrivals from London, Mumbai and Dubai with departures to regional destinations.
He acknowledged, however, that the airline continues to face financial pressure after nearly 60 per cent of its fleet, including two Airbus A330 aircraft and one CRJ regional jet, was grounded because of engine maintenance.
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"Almost 60 per cent of our capacity was grounded because of engine problems," Wake said. "We have had to lease aircraft to maintain the schedule, and that has affected our finances."
Wake said one CRJ aircraft is expected to return to service within two weeks, while one Airbus A330 is scheduled to resume operations in January next year, easing pressure on the airline's fleet.
He defended the decision to launch the new routes despite the operational setbacks, saying international routes typically take two to three years to mature before becoming profitable.
The expansion comes as the government moves ahead with plans to grow the national carrier's fleet. Byamukama announced that Uganda has ordered eight new Boeing aircraft--four Boeing 737s for regional and continental services and four wide-body aircraft for long-haul operations.
The minister said the additional aircraft will increase passenger and cargo capacity, support agricultural exports and strengthen Uganda Airlines' long-term expansion strategy. He added that the acquisition will be financed through government budget allocations rather than commercial borrowing.
Uganda Airlines now serves 18 destinations across Africa and beyond as it seeks to position Entebbe as a major regional aviation hub connecting the continent to international markets.
