CEO Jenifer Bamuturaki is excited about mutual benefits the route would bring to both countries

Uganda Airlines has made its maiden flight to Abuja, Nigeria, a significant milestone in the airline’s expansion plan, aimed at facilitating smoother travel across the African continent.

The inaugural two-hour flight started from Entebbe International Airport at 16:00 hours on September 12, landing in Nigeria’s administrative capital, Abuja, at 18:15. Operated by the flagship Airbus A330-800neo, the route will initially run twice weekly on Thursdays and Sundays, officials said.

Uganda Airlines’ Chief Executive Officer Jenifer Bamuturaki, said the addition of Abuja to the airline's growing list of destinations reflects their commitment to facilitating business, tourism, and leisure travel across Africa.

• "We are proud to be living up to our promise to take Nigeria to Uganda and bring Uganda to Nigeria," Bamuturaki said.

The new route has significant implications for Uganda's economy. With direct flights between Entebbe and Abuja, the airline addresses a key connectivity gap in Africa, making travel between the two countries easier and more affordable.

Fred Byamukama, the Minister of State for Works, emphasized the strategic importance of the move. He noted that enhanced air connectivity between African nations, particularly in light of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), would reduce travel costs and increase trade, investment, and economic cooperation across the continent.

• Established in 1991 as a replacement for the former capital Lagos, Abuja not only serves as the capital city of Africa’s most populous country but is also a diplomatic hub, hosting numerous embassies and international organizations.

“Abuja, as a major political and economic hub in Nigeria, presents opportunities for Ugandan businesses to explore new markets and for Nigerian investors to consider opportunities in Uganda. Direct flights also make it easier for tourists from Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, to visit Uganda, hence boosting the tourism sector. Given the cultural ties forged through Nigerian movies and entertainment, these flights will help strengthen cultural exchanges and foster mutual understanding between the two countries,” Byamukama added.

With Uganda’s rich natural attractions, including the famous Mountain Gorillas, national parks, and the source of the River Nile, the country stands to attract a greater number of Nigerian tourists. Likewise, Ugandans will have easier access to Nigeria’s vibrant culture and business hubs.

The two-way tourism and business flows will contribute to increased foreign exchange earnings, job creation, and growth in Uganda's hospitality industry, according to Bamuturaki.

“The route will serve as a critical trade bridge. Nigerian goods will find new markets in East Africa, and Ugandan products such as coffee, tea, and fresh produce will have a more direct path to West Africa, further supporting Uganda's export economy,” she added.

• As Africa strives for deeper integration, Uganda Airlines’ expansion aligns with the continent's broader aspirations. By improving intra-African air connectivity, the airline aims to support the goals of AfCFTA, facilitating easier movement of people, goods, and services. This step enhances Uganda’s role in advancing continental cooperation and integration.

• Flights to Lusaka, Zambia, and Harare in Zimbabwe, are set to start on September 25 also on the Bombardier CRJ-900neo aircraft.

The airline already flies to Kinshasa (DR Congo), Mogadishu (Somalia), Mombasa and Nairobi (Kenya), Bujumbura (Burundi), Dar es Salaam and Kirimanjalo (Tanzania), Johannesburg (South Africa), Juba (South Sudan), and Zanzibar.