Uganda Airlines is preparing to strengthen air connectivity between Rwanda and Uganda with the introduction of daily flights linking Kigali and Entebbe, in a move expected to boost tourism, trade, business travel and regional integration.
The new route, which officially launches on November 18, 2026, was presented at a travel trade engagement held at Kigali Serena Hotel on November 12, bringing together travel agents, tour operators and tourism stakeholders to explore opportunities for cooperation with the airline.
Speaking at the event, Lillian Kyategwa, Uganda Airlines Country Director, said the new service is intended to build on the longstanding relationship between the neighbouring countries while making the movement of people, goods and services across the region easier.
“Uganda Airlines has come to this market to strengthen the already good relationship between Rwanda and Uganda, while easing the movement of people, goods and services within the region and connecting us to the rest of the world,” Kyategwa said.
She noted that Rwanda’s growing reputation as a regional conference and business destination presents an important opportunity for the airline, particularly as demand for convenient regional connections continues to grow.
“Rwanda has become a hub for conferences, and we are ready for this market. Today was about meeting and strategising with ticketing agencies to see how we can work together with the airline,” she added.
The engagement provided an opportunity for Uganda Airlines to establish closer working relationships with travel agencies and tour operators in Rwanda, who are expected to play a key role in promoting the new service and connecting passengers to destinations beyond Entebbe.
Michael Bulwaka, Counsellor at the Uganda High Commission in Rwanda, said the new route reflects the strong connections between the two countries, which extend beyond geographical proximity.
He pointed to family ties, shared interests, business opportunities and a common development vision as some of the factors that continue to bring Rwanda and Uganda closer.
“The new flights will further strengthen cooperation between our two countries, promote trade, tourism and investment, and advance the spirit of East African integration,” Bulwaka said.
He emphasised that Uganda Airlines’ role goes beyond transporting passengers, describing the national carrier as an important instrument for representing Uganda and connecting the country to regional and international markets.
Bulwaka also encouraged Rwanda’s tourism and travel industry players to work closely with the airline, saying the new connection offers opportunities to expand their businesses and reach more customers.
For Uganda Airlines, the Kigali–Entebbe connection is also part of a broader ambition to make movement across Africa easier and strengthen economic relationships through aviation.
“A connected Africa is a stronger Africa. When our people, goods and ideas move freely between our countries, we grow together,” the airline said in a message highlighting the significance of the new route.
The airline further described the connection as an opportunity for businesses to access new markets, travellers to discover more destinations and families to enjoy shorter journeys between neighbouring countries.
Meanwhile, Shakila Rahim Lamar, Acting Chief Commercial Officer of Uganda Airlines, pointed to plans to expand the airline’s fleet, saying additional aircraft are expected to increase capacity and create room for more routes.
“More aircraft, more routes, more of Africa connected,” she said, noting that the expansion will offer passengers greater choice and open up additional travel opportunities across the continent and beyond.
The Kigali–Entebbe service is expected to benefit travellers connecting through Uganda to the airline’s wider international network, including destinations in Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa.
With daily flights beginning November 18, Uganda Airlines is positioning the new route as more than an additional air connection, but as another step towards strengthening regional trade, tourism and people-to-people relations.
For Rwanda and Uganda, the new air link is expected to make an already close relationship more accessible, creating new opportunities for businesses, travellers and the wider East African economy.
