Uganda Airlines has announced the launch of scheduled direct flights to Accra, Ghana, and Kigali, Rwanda, marking another milestone in the national carrier's expansion strategy aimed at improving connectivity, boosting trade and tourism, and strengthening Entebbe's position as a regional aviation hub.

The national carrier announced the new routes during a launch event held at Sheraton Kampala Hotel on Wednesday morning.

The airline said direct flights to Accra will commence on October 27, 2026, operating four times a week using its Boeing 737-800 aircraft.

Daily flights to Kigali will begin on November 18, 2026, operated by the airline's Bombardier CRJ900, providing passengers with more travel options between Uganda and Rwanda.

Announcing the expansion under the campaign slogan "Two New Cities. One Crane.", Uganda Airlines said the addition of the two destinations responds to growing demand for business, tourism, trade and investment travel across Africa.

The airline noted that both destinations present significant economic opportunities while strengthening links between Eastern, Southern and West Africa.

"The launch of Accra and Kigali marks another key milestone in Uganda Airlines' growth strategy. As Africa's connectivity continues to grow, these routes will strengthen commercial and tourism links while offering our guests greater convenience and more travel choices. We remain committed to connecting Africa and supporting regional integration through reliable and efficient air transport," Uganda Airlines Board Chairman Ato Girma Wake said.

Uganda Airlines said the Kigali route connects two of East Africa's fastest-growing economies while offering passengers seamless onward connections through Entebbe to destinations across Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Europe.

The airline also expects the new service to improve regional mobility by providing travelers with additional scheduling flexibility on one of East Africa's busiest aviation corridors.

The entry of Uganda Airlines into the Entebbe–Kigali market is also expected to increase competition on the route, with Rwanda's High Commissioner to Uganda, Joseph Rutabana, saying the development could help lower airfares, expand passenger choice and strengthen regional connectivity.

Meanwhile, the Accra service strengthens Uganda Airlines' presence in West Africa following the success of its Lagos route.

According to the airline, Accra serves as an important business, tourism and diplomatic hub, making it a strategic addition to its growing African network.

Beyond passenger travel, Uganda Airlines said the new routes will enhance cargo transportation by providing exporters and importers with improved access to key markets in East and West Africa.

The airline expects the services to support the transportation of fresh agricultural produce, manufactured goods and other time-sensitive cargo while facilitating cross-border trade.

Officials say the expansion reflects Uganda Airlines' continued investment in building an interconnected African route network capable of supporting economic growth across the continent.

The Government of Uganda welcomed the launch of the two destinations, describing the expansion as another major step toward strengthening regional connectivity.

In a statement, the government said the direct flights to Accra and Kigali will boost trade, tourism and business while making travel across Africa faster, easier and more convenient.

The addition of Accra and Kigali further expands Uganda Airlines' growing network as the carrier continues pursuing its strategy of positioning Entebbe International Airport as a key regional hub connecting passengers across Africa and beyond.

With the new routes, travelers will have improved access to two important African cities while benefiting from more direct travel options and enhanced connectivity through Uganda's national airline.