Uganda Airlines is counting on a new service to Ghana to deepen commercial ties between East and West Africa, as the national carrier seeks to turn network expansion into a source of trade, tourism and investment.
The airline launched its Entebbe-Accra service on October 28, adding another destination to its network. The four-times-weekly flights are expected to cut travel time between the two cities, where some connecting journeys previously took up to 10 hours.
The launch coincided with Ghana’s announcement of visa-free entry for Ugandan passport holders, easing travel for businesspeople and tourists.
But the commercial opportunity remains largely untapped. Uganda’s exports to Ghana were valued at about $258,640 in 2025, according to UN Comtrade data cited by Trading Economics, highlighting the challenge of turning improved connectivity into stronger trade.
Turning connectivity into commerce
Amos Lugoloobi, Uganda’s state minister for planning, urged the airline to use its cargo capacity to support exports, including coffee, tea, horticultural produce and pharmaceuticals. He also encouraged Ghanaian investors to explore opportunities in Uganda’s manufacturing, energy, technology and healthcare sectors.
Better air links can help businesses meet partners and move time-sensitive goods. But the route’s success will depend on demand, competitive logistics and the availability of products that can find buyers in both markets.
Tourism offers another opportunity, with Uganda able to market its wildlife and natural attractions to Ghanaian visitors, while Ugandans gain easier access to Ghana’s cultural and historical sites.
“Our goal is to be an engine of growth, not just transport for passengers and cargo,” said Girma Wake, chief executive of Uganda Airlines.
Expansion brings commercial risks
Accra forms part of the airline’s wider plan to grow from 18 destinations to 24, according to board chairperson Priscilla Mirembe Serukka. The carrier is scheduled to launch flights to Kigali on November 18.
An expanded network could strengthen Entebbe’s role as a regional connecting hub. But new routes also bring operating costs and competition, making passenger numbers and cargo volumes crucial to their commercial viability.
The Entebbe-Accra service gives businesses in Uganda and Ghana a more convenient way to reach each other. Whether it produces a sustained increase in trade and investment will depend on how effectively companies turn that access into commercial relationships.
