Scaling The Heights : Uganda Airlines Launches Direct Flights To Accra Ghana In Continental Connectivity Drive

 Uganda Airlines has today launched its much anticipated  Accra ,Ghana route bringing the number of  destinations being operated by the national carrier to 18 across three continents .

On a fully booked flight with 154 passengers on- board  Uganda Airline’s Boeing 737-800 which is operated on a wet lease from Ethiopian Airlines , left Entebbe International Airport (EBB) to Kotoka International Airport (ACC) in Accra, Ghana, at 10.27am –registering yet another land mark in the expansion journey of the Crane . ( In aviation industry ,a wet lease means an aircraft is leased with its crew.)

Cheered on by jubilant well-wishers, Uganda’s Minister of Works and Transport ,  Mr. Fred Byamukama, who flagged -off the five-hour  inaugural flight  from Entebbe to Accra ,recalled  that Ghana’s founding President, Kwame Nkrumah ,six decades ago –championed the vision of  Africa whose political independence would be matched by economic cooperation and integration.

“Today, improved air connectivity is one practical way to advance that vision,” Byamukama declared amid ululation .

The Minister added that Africa cannot fully realise its economic potential if its people, goods and services cannot move efficiently across the continent.

Mr. Fred Byamukama, Minister of Works and Transport

The Entebbe–Accra service, Byamukama noted  is a step towards addressing the interconnectivity challenge on the  African continent.

 “It will offer travellers a direct connection between two important commercial centres, facilitate business engagement, support tourism and strengthen people-to-people relations,” he stated.

The Minister was particularly pleased by Ghana’s visa-free entry policy for holders of all categories of Ugandan passports, noting that this practical cooperation makes African integration meaningful to ordinary citizens, entrepreneurs, and investors.

Chief Executive Officer of the Uganda Tourism Board Juliana Kagwa and Uganda Airlines Board of Directors Chairperson ,Ms.Priscilla Serukka , have a light moment with a Uganda Airlines crew member

“As we implement continental initiatives such as the Single African Air Transport Market and the African Continental Free Trade Area, improved connectivity must go hand in hand with policies that make it easier for Africans to travel, trade and invest across borders, the Minister added.

State Minister for Planning Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Amos Lugoloobi, highlighted the strategic economic impacts of the new service and  emphasized that the flight does far more than just add a new route; it serves as a powerful economic bridge connecting East and West Africa. He noted it would bring businesses closer to consumers, investors closer to opportunities, and tourists closer to their destinations.

Mr. Amos Lugolobi, State Minister for Planning

He stated  that for a landlocked nation like Uganda looking to expand international ties, “International air connectivity is not a luxury; it is an economic necessity.”

The Entebbe-Accra service, which the airline has marketed as direct, will include a stopover in Lagos, Nigeria. Uganda Airlines says the route will operate four times a week using a Boeing 737-800 aircraft.

The airline has advertised a promotional return fare of $550 (about Shs 2.3 million), offering passengers an alternative to existing connections through Nairobi and Addis Ababa. Kenya Airways and Ethiopian Airlines currently serve the Uganda-Ghana route through their respective hubs in Nairobi and Addis Ababa.

Their return fares range from Shs 2.4 million to Shs 3.8 million for Kenya Airways and Shs 2.2 million to Shs 3.3 million for Ethiopian Airlines, depending on demand and booking time.

Mr. Girma Wake , the Acting Chief Executive Officer and consultant for Uganda Airlines , said the airlines will fly the route four times weekly .

Wake Uganda Airlines consultant and interim CEO

Wake justified the decision to open the new routes saying improved scheduling and connectivity within the EAC region and the continent would lead to increased traffic volumes to facilitate businesses, trade and tourism.

The Deputy Director General Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) , Ms. Olive Birungi Lumonya ,said the regulator  recognises the strategic importance of the national carrier and remains committed to working closely with its Board and Management to support its safe, secure, efficient and sustainable growth.

Ms.Olive Birungi Lumonya Deputy Director Generaal UCAA

“Our relationship is guided by a clear understanding of our respective mandates. Uganda Airlines is responsible for delivering reliable air transport services, while UCAA is responsible for regulating and overseeing the industry in accordance with the Civil Aviation Act, applicable Uganda Civil Aviation Regulations, International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Standards and Recommended Practices, and approved procedures,” she stated.

In this regard, Lumonya said the Authority continues to provide comprehensive regulatory, technical and safety oversight to Uganda Airlines. This includes oversight of the airline’s compliance with applicable safety and operational requirements, as well as engagement to support continuous improvement in its systems, processes and service delivery.

Shakila Rahim Lamar, (left) Head of Corporate Affairs and Marketing at Uganda Airlines with a guest at the launch event

“The growth of air transport must go hand in hand with the protection of passengers and the improvement of service standards. As more travellers choose Uganda Airlines, their expectations for reliable schedules, clear communication, appropriate assistance and fair treatment become increasingly important.  In this regard, UCAA continues to work with the national carrier to strengthen compliance with applicable consumer protection requirements and improve the handling of passenger concerns,” she added .

Ambassador Richard Kabonero Head of Regional Economic Cooperation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs said  that expanding aviation links forms a core pillar of Uganda’s economic and commercial diplomacy across Africa.

Ms.Priscilla Serukka ,Uganda Airlines Board Chairperson told the audience  that Uganda Airline’s  Accra route  serves as a strategic gateway into West Africa, helping grow Entebbe International Airport into a stronger regional hub and expanding the airline’s network to 18 destinations.

Editor;msserwanga@gmail.com

Let the Governance And Security Programme Achievements Positively Impact The Ordinary Ugandans-Minister Babalanda

 The Minister for the Presidency, Milly Babalanda, has called for improved institutional performance , effective implementation of government programmes and stronger accountability  in the 32  government’s Governance and Security Programme (GSP) agencies .

Babalanda  stressed that the achievements so far recorded  under the period under review should be felt and appreciated by the ordinary Ugandans  at the grassroots.

Babalanda also called upon government institutions to deal with the  persistent performance gaps in accountability, gender equity, refugee resilience and international cooperation if Uganda is to achieve its national development ambitions.

In a speech delivered on her behalf by the Minister for Kampala, Hajait Minsa Kabanda, during the opening of the 5th Annual Performance Review of the Governance and Security Programme (GSP) for the 2025/2026 financial year at Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala, Babalanda noted the progress made  but  hastened to add that the – ultimate measure of success should be the impact of government interventions on citizens.

“We must be careful not to equate the performance with the achievement of our national objectives,” she said, urging implementing institutions to focus on outcomes that improve governance, security and public service delivery.

The well attended  review held under the theme under the theme: ‘a peaceful and secure Uganda; advancing the rule of law and enabling social economic transformation’ brought together government institutions, development partners, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to assess progress in governance, security, justice, human rights and accountability.

Among the areas requiring urgent attention, Babalanda highlighted Uganda’s performance on governance indicators, noting that the African governance index stood at 49.21 per cent against a target of 60 per cent.

Implementation of audit recommendations stood at 59 per cent, while gender and equity compliance reached 61 per cent against a target of 70 per cent.

The country’s refugee resilience performance also remained below expectations at 39 per cent against a target of 53 per cent, with declining financing identified as a major constraint.

The international cooperation score similarly remained below its target, while another performance indicator, which recorded a score of 0.104, fell short of the planned target of 0.385.

Babalanda said the gaps reflected the need for stronger implementation, improved institutional coordination and more effective utilisation of public resources.

The Minister challenged government institutions to ensure that audit recommendations are acted upon rather than left outstanding, while gender and equity commitments must be reflected in government budgets, expenditure and service delivery.

“These results require our collective attention,” she said, calling on participants to identify the underlying causes of poor performance and propose realistic, measurable and time-bound interventions.

The minister also emphasised patriotism as a critical requirement for effective implementation of the Governance and Security Programme, saying public officials must place national interests above personal ambitions.

“Patriotism is not merely an expression of love for our country. It is demonstrated through our commitment to protecting the vital interests, preserving national unity, respecting the law and serving our people with integrity,” Babalanda said.

She said government officials should demonstrate patriotism by safeguarding public resources and ensuring that government interventions deliver value to citizens.

Development partners, she added, should align their financial and technical support with national priorities, strengthen institutional capacity and promote sustainable development rather than create dependence on external funding.

Babalanda further urged civil society organisations and other non-state actors to contribute to national development through constructive engagement, independent oversight, service delivery and evidence-based advocacy.

The minister outlined the five strategic priorities that should guide implementation of the GSP to include consolidating peace and security, strengthening governance and accountability, improving access to justice and protecting human rights, advancing inclusive governance and resilience, and strengthening programme coordination and results-based management.

On security, she called for sustained progress in crime reduction, expanded policing coverage and improved institutional readiness to respond to emerging security threats.

On governance and accountability, she emphasised the need for more effective policy and legislative processes, stronger anti-corruption measures, improved compliance with audit recommendations and greater value for public expenditure.

She also called for investment in justice infrastructure, forensic capacity and institutional reforms to improve access to timely and responsive justice services.

On inclusive governance, Babalanda said government must address gender and equity gaps while strengthening support systems for refugees, particularly amid financing constraints affecting refugee protection and resilience programmes.

She warned that the effectiveness of these interventions would depend on clearly defined institutional responsibilities, measurable performance indicators, realistic timelines and regular follow-up.

The minister also called for stronger coordination between government institutions and development partners, cautioning against duplication of interventions and urging stakeholders to assess partnerships based on actual results rather than resources mobilised or activities undertaken.

“Partnerships should be assessed not only by the resources mobilised or activities undertaken, but by the results achieved and the institutional capacities strengthened,” she said.

Babalanda said government retained the primary responsibility for providing leadership, policy direction, institutional coordination and accountability for national development results, but acknowledged that achieving these objectives required cooperation with other stakeholders.

The Fifth Annual Performance Review comes during the first year of implementation of the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV), covering the 2025/2026 to 2029/2030 financial years, which seeks to strengthen governance, security and the rule of law as foundations for national development.

Babalanda urged participants to ensure that resolutions reached during the review translate into concrete action in the coming financial year.

“The value of this annual review will ultimately depend on how effectively its recommendations inform the work of government and its partners during the coming financial year,” she said.

The Permanent Secretary in the Office of the President who is also the Chairperson GSP programme working  group, Hajj Yunus Kakande told the meeting that the strategic contribution  of the 32 GSP government agencies is to enable the  national transformation agenda by putting in place the necessary governance conditions that facilitate inclusive social and economic development..

“We re-enforce the economic driving sectors in the pursuit of the Uganda Vision 2040, the African Union Agenda 2063, and the United Nations Agenda 2030,” he added .

Hajj Kakande thanked Uganda’s development partners for their continued interventions in the country’s development journey . “While the duty and responsibility of ensuring adherence to the rule of law, human rights, democracy, accountability and promotion of peace and security in Uganda lies with the government of Uganda, I acknowledge the contributions of our development partners that are an indelible substantial proportion of our fabric,”  Hajji Kakande stated .

Editor:msserwanga@gmail.com

Scaling The Heights : Uganda Airlines Launches Direct Flights To Accra Ghana In Continental Connectivity Drive

 Uganda Airlines has today launched its much anticipated  Accra ,Ghana route bringing the number of  destinations being operated by the national carrier to 18 across three continents .

On a fully booked flight with 154 passengers on- board  Uganda Airline’s Boeing 737-800 which is operated on a wet lease from Ethiopian Airlines , left Entebbe International Airport (EBB) to Kotoka International Airport (ACC) in Accra, Ghana, at 10.27am –registering yet another land mark in the expansion journey of the Crane . ( In aviation industry ,a wet lease means an aircraft is leased with its crew.)

Cheered on by jubilant well-wishers, Uganda’s Minister of Works and Transport ,  Mr. Fred Byamukama, who flagged -off the five-hour  inaugural flight  from Entebbe to Accra ,recalled  that Ghana’s founding President, Kwame Nkrumah ,six decades ago –championed the vision of  Africa whose political independence would be matched by economic cooperation and integration.

“Today, improved air connectivity is one practical way to advance that vision,” Byamukama declared amid ululation .

The Minister added that Africa cannot fully realise its economic potential if its people, goods and services cannot move efficiently across the continent.

Mr. Fred Byamukama, Minister of Works and Transport

The Entebbe–Accra service, Byamukama noted  is a step towards addressing the interconnectivity challenge on the  African continent.

 “It will offer travellers a direct connection between two important commercial centres, facilitate business engagement, support tourism and strengthen people-to-people relations,” he stated.

The Minister was particularly pleased by Ghana’s visa-free entry policy for holders of all categories of Ugandan passports, noting that this practical cooperation makes African integration meaningful to ordinary citizens, entrepreneurs, and investors.

Chief Executive Officer of the Uganda Tourism Board Juliana Kagwa and Uganda Airlines Board of Directors Chairperson ,Ms.Priscilla Serukka , have a light moment with a Uganda Airlines crew member

“As we implement continental initiatives such as the Single African Air Transport Market and the African Continental Free Trade Area, improved connectivity must go hand in hand with policies that make it easier for Africans to travel, trade and invest across borders, the Minister added.

State Minister for Planning Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Amos Lugoloobi, highlighted the strategic economic impacts of the new service and  emphasized that the flight does far more than just add a new route; it serves as a powerful economic bridge connecting East and West Africa. He noted it would bring businesses closer to consumers, investors closer to opportunities, and tourists closer to their destinations.

Mr. Amos Lugolobi, State Minister for Planning

He stated  that for a landlocked nation like Uganda looking to expand international ties, "International air connectivity is not a luxury; it is an economic necessity."

The Entebbe-Accra service, which the airline has marketed as direct, will include a stopover in Lagos, Nigeria. Uganda Airlines says the route will operate four times a week using a Boeing 737-800 aircraft.

The airline has advertised a promotional return fare of $550 (about Shs 2.3 million), offering passengers an alternative to existing connections through Nairobi and Addis Ababa. Kenya Airways and Ethiopian Airlines currently serve the Uganda-Ghana route through their respective hubs in Nairobi and Addis Ababa.

Their return fares range from Shs 2.4 million to Shs 3.8 million for Kenya Airways and Shs 2.2 million to Shs 3.3 million for Ethiopian Airlines, depending on demand and booking time.

Mr. Girma Wake , the Acting Chief Executive Officer and consultant for Uganda Airlines , said the airlines will fly the route four times weekly .

Wake Uganda Airlines consultant and interim CEO

Wake justified the decision to open the new routes saying improved scheduling and connectivity within the EAC region and the continent would lead to increased traffic volumes to facilitate businesses, trade and tourism.

The Deputy Director General Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) , Ms. Olive Birungi Lumonya ,said the regulator  recognises the strategic importance of the national carrier and remains committed to working closely with its Board and Management to support its safe, secure, efficient and sustainable growth.

Ms.Olive Birungi Lumonya Deputy Director Generaal UCAA

“Our relationship is guided by a clear understanding of our respective mandates. Uganda Airlines is responsible for delivering reliable air transport services, while UCAA is responsible for regulating and overseeing the industry in accordance with the Civil Aviation Act, applicable Uganda Civil Aviation Regulations, International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Standards and Recommended Practices, and approved procedures,” she stated.

In this regard, Lumonya said the Authority continues to provide comprehensive regulatory, technical and safety oversight to Uganda Airlines. This includes oversight of the airline’s compliance with applicable safety and operational requirements, as well as engagement to support continuous improvement in its systems, processes and service delivery.

Shakila Rahim Lamar, (left) Head of Corporate Affairs and Marketing at Uganda Airlines with a guest at the launch event

“The growth of air transport must go hand in hand with the protection of passengers and the improvement of service standards. As more travellers choose Uganda Airlines, their expectations for reliable schedules, clear communication, appropriate assistance and fair treatment become increasingly important.  In this regard, UCAA continues to work with the national carrier to strengthen compliance with applicable consumer protection requirements and improve the handling of passenger concerns,” she added .

Ambassador Richard Kabonero Head of Regional Economic Cooperation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs said  that expanding aviation links forms a core pillar of Uganda's economic and commercial diplomacy across Africa.

Ms.Priscilla Serukka ,Uganda Airlines Board Chairperson told the audience  that Uganda Airline’s  Accra route  serves as a strategic gateway into West Africa, helping grow Entebbe International Airport into a stronger regional hub and expanding the airline's network to 18 destinations.

Editor;msserwanga@gmail.com

Good Governance And Security Remain Critical For Uganda’s Tenfold Development Agenda Says Austrian Diplomat Dr. Katja Kerschbaumer

 Good governance, justice, accountability and security remain critical foundations for Uganda’s  socio-economic transformation, investor confidence, social cohesion and the realization of the country tenfold  development aspirations, Dr. Katja Kerschbaumer , the Head of Austrian Embassy/Development Cooperation in Kampala , has stated .

 Dr. Katja Kerschbaumer  who is also the Chair of the Justice Sector Development Partners’ Group, pledged a shared commitment to continue supporting Uganda’s efforts to strengthen the rule of law, access to justice, accountability, human rights and good governance.

“We value the constructive partnership that has developed between the Government of Uganda, the Judiciary, justice sector institutions and development partners, and we appreciate the openness, professionalism and spirit of collaboration that continue to characterize this engagement,” Dr. Kerschbaumer ,stated.

She was making a presentation during a well attended Joint Government of Uganda – Development Partners’ Governance and Security Programme  (GSP) Annual Review at Royale Hotel in Kampala.

Minister for Kampala , Hajjat Minsa Kabanda ,on behalf of the Minister for Presidency Milly Babalanda officiated at the opening of the 5th GSP Annual Review

The Fifth Annual Performance Review comes during the first year of implementation of the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV), covering the 2025/2026 to 2029/2030 financial years, which seeks to strengthen governance, security and the rule of law as foundations for national development.

Dr. Kerschbaumer , therefore noted, that  the rule of law is not merely a legal principle or concept bu rather a principle of governance, a principle of security, and a principle of development.

“This is why the rule of law and security are so closely connected. Security is not achieved only through police, prisons, or military institutions. Lasting security is built when citizens trust that public institutions operate fairly and impartially. It is built when justice is accessible and timely. It is built when people believe that they have a stake in society and that their rights and interests are protected,” she stated .

When institutions are trusted, Kerschbaumer said , the citizens are more willing to cooperate with them, respect the law, and contribute positively to society. In this sense, the rule of law is one of the most effective investments a nation can make in its own stability and resilience.

She further noted that  the  continued investments in the justice ,institutions, accountability systems, citizen identification, anti-corruption measures, and public safety have all strengthened the foundations for economic growth and social cohesion.

“ A safer and more predictable environment reduces risks for citizens and businesses alike and allows development to take root.”

The development partners welcomed the government of Uganda’s operationalization of the JLOS Tower, enhanced forensic and investigative capacities, expanded national identification coverage and continued anti- corruption efforts  which have contributed to creating a more effective state and a more predictable environment for citizens and businesses alike.

They also recognized Uganda’s role in promoting peace and stability within the East and central African region .

“In a part of the world where conflict and displacement continue to affect millions of people, Uganda’s contribution to regional stability deserves recognition. These achievements should not be taken for granted. They provide a critical foundation upon which development and prosperity can flourish,” the Development Partners stated in their review report.

Earlier while speaking at the GSP Review Conference , State Minister for Youth and Children Affairs, Dr. Mercy Faith Lakisa, called  for the urgent operationalization of the Remand Homes Court system to expedite juvenile justice in Uganda.

Dr. Lakisa, who is also the woman Member of Parliament for Alebtong district, said that government had gazetted all the seven Remand Homes to also serve as courts to dispense juvenile justice but regretted to note that none has been operationalized.

The State Minister said that the delay to make the Remand Homes Court system functional has led to delayed trial of cases for children who are in conflict with the law .

“ Justice delayed is justice denied . We must do something to have these gazetted children courts operational to reduce case backlog and congestion in the few remand homes we have ,” Lakisa stated .

All the seven remand homes are overcrowded with limited space to accommodate children who get in contact with the law . There are 1,032 children in remand homes and yet the recommended capacity is 780.

The GSP Annual Review Findings

According to the Annual Review Report findings presented by Mr. Sam Rogers Wairagala, the Deputy Senior Technical Advisor at the Governance and Security Programme Secretariat , audit recommendations implementation, stood at 59%, falling short of expectations. He  urged government institutions to act on outstanding audits rather than leaving them unresolved.

Wairagala further reported that gender and equity compliance reached 61% against a target of 70% and the refugee resilience performance lagged at 39% against a target of 53%, heavily constrained by declining international financing.

The report revealed that the  Inspectorate of Government (IGG) recovered Ug.Shs. 41.9 billion in the on-going anti graft campaign.

The report further shows that there has been marked improvement in capacity building for various duty bearers (security and law enforcement agencies to prevent and respond to crime,  and  32,617 offenders were  rehabilitated, exceeding the target of 6,000 inmates.

According to the report  20% of villages (out of 71,227) engaged in community policing programmes while various JLOS institutions continued automating their systems.

Editor:msserwanga@gmail.com