Uganda Airlines will begin daily scheduled flights between Entebbe and Kigali from November 18, 2026, creating a new air link between the two neighbouring East African countries. The announcement was made on November 12 at an event in Kigali organised by Uganda Airlines in partnership with the Uganda High Commission in Rwanda and the Uganda Tourism Board. The engagement brought together travel agents, tour operators and tourism stakeholders to discuss how improved air connectivity could benefit both economies.
Michael Bulwaka, Counsellor at the Uganda High Commission in Rwanda, described the new route as significant for sustaining the longstanding relationships between the two countries. He emphasised that efficient air connectivity helps facilitate interaction and unlock opportunities in business, tourism, education and regional cooperation. Bulwaka characterised Uganda Airlines as an ambassador of Uganda, connecting the country to regional and international markets while creating opportunities for trade, tourism, investment and cultural exchange.
The route's broader significance lies in Entebbe International Airport's role as Uganda Airlines' strategic hub. From there, the airline connects passengers to more than 18 destinations across Africa, Europe, Asia and the Middle East, including London, Mumbai, Dubai, Lagos, Johannesburg, Nairobi, Mombasa, Kinshasa, Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar, Lusaka, Harare, Bujumbura, Mogadishu, Juba and Accra. The daily Kigali-Entebbe service will offer morning and early afternoon departures throughout the week. Shakila Rahim Lamar, Acting Chief Commercial Officer at Uganda Airlines, highlighted the airline's expansion plans, stating that additional aircraft are expected to join its fleet.
When asked about competition with Rwanda's national carrier RwandAir, Shakila clarified that Uganda Airlines had not come to compete but to complement its services and contribute to making travel across Africa more accessible. For travellers, this means additional choices; for the aviation industry, it could strengthen connections between airlines and destinations. Nadia Keza, Chairperson of the Rwanda Tour and Travel Association, welcomed the service as a significant opportunity for Rwanda's travel trade to grow and reach new markets, allowing travel agents and tour operators to develop new packages and establish partnerships with Ugandan operators.
The economic benefits extend beyond tourism. For businesses operating between Rwanda and Uganda, the new connection provides another option for business travel and partnership development. Exporters, importers, entrepreneurs and investors may benefit from improved access to potential clients, suppliers and commercial partners. Within the East African Community context, the new route adds to a broader regional ambition of making East Africa a more connected economic and tourism destination, though translating improved connectivity into tangible economic growth will require strong partnerships beyond flights alone.
For savers, borrowers, business owners and investors in Rwanda, the new airline service means easier access to cross-border business opportunities, potentially lower travel costs through increased competition, and expanded tourism revenue opportunities for the hospitality and travel sectors.