Uganda is using its diplomatic missions abroad to support Uganda Airlines’ expansion across Africa, including efforts to remove operational bottlenecks and facilitate access to new markets, Ambassador Richard Kabonero said.
Kabonero, speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the launch of Uganda Airlines’ Entebbe-Accra service, said the ministry had worked with the aviation sector to support the airline’s expansion to 18 destinations.
“When you open aviation links, it really is a pillar of our economic and commercial diplomacy that we are trying to implement,” Kabonero said.
He cited recent diplomatic engagements in South Africa and Mogadishu, where Ugandan officials had been involved in negotiations and efforts to address bottlenecks affecting the country’s international engagement.
“We were just in South Africa during those negotiations. We were in Mogadishu last week, removing some bottlenecks, and so the ministry and our missions abroad are determined to walk the journey with the airline and support the sector as far as we are concerned,” he said.
Kabonero said Uganda’s diplomatic missions would continue working with the airline as it expands its network, adding that a team from Uganda’s mission was ready to receive passengers arriving in Accra.
The Entebbe-Accra service is Uganda Airlines’ 18th destination and will provide another connection between East and West Africa. The airline’s expansion is intended to improve access to regional markets and create opportunities for trade, tourism and investment.
Kabonero said the ministry was looking ahead to the airline’s next destination, Kigali, which he expected to open the following month.
He congratulated the airline’s board, management and other stakeholders involved in its expansion, saying the ministry would continue supporting the sector through its diplomatic network.
The launch of the Accra route adds to Uganda’s efforts to strengthen commercial and diplomatic relations with other African countries through improved connectivity.
