Ismail Ayobamai Alatise (L), Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Uganda shakes hands with Uganda Airlines CEO, Jennifer Bamuturaki at the launch of the national carrier’s route from Entebbe to Lagos
Uganda Airlines has announced that it will commence direct flights to Lagos, Nigeria on October 19, 2023.
Adedayo Olawuyi, the Uganda Airlines Chief Commercial Officer made the announcement on Friday during a gathering of the Nigerian Community in Uganda at Sheraton Hotel in Kampala.
Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Uganda, Ismail Ayobamai Alatise, described the announcement as a milestone in strenthening the bilateral relations between Uganda and Nigeria.
“I’m deeply happy. It’s an achievement for me as an individual. Our major problem has been transport. Now that this has been solved, we now want to increase the volume of trade between the two countries.This is what we have been waiting for. I can’t wait to experience [a journey of] four hours from Entebbe to Lagos,” Alatise said.
He said a minimum flight time from Entebbe to Nigeria through other routes has been nine hours, and some times 21 hours (depending on the route).
He appealed to the Nigerian Community in Uganda to “take advantage of the flights individually and collectively.”
The Uganda Airlines Chief Executive Officer, Jennifer Bamuturaki, described the announcement as a “dream come true” as one of the strategies of the airline is to connect Uganda to the North, East, South and West.
According to Bamuturaki, Africa is under-served in terms of air transport.
“It is a pleasure that we are launching this route. We, therefore, bring you our commitment to Lagos,” Bamuturaki said.
She noted that the flights will boost business and investment across the different sectors of agriculture, tourism, energy and manufacturing among others.
“We can’t wait to serve Jollof rice aboard Uganda Airlines,” Bamuturaki said in reference to the popular rice dish from West Africa.
Hajjia Mohammed Hauwa, the Chairperson of the Nigerian Community in Uganda said “I am very happy that the World’s youngest airline is going to start flying to Nigeria.”
“The flight will offer several cost benefits,” Hajjia said.
She added: “This will further strengthen bilateral ties and increase trade opportunities.”
According to Hajjia, a significant percentage of cargo will move between Uganda and Nigeria.
Hajjia revealed that one of Uganda’s biggest exports to Nigeria is pepper which she is hopeful will be boosted by the direct flights.
“We have looked forward to this flight. This is an extremely timely development. We are ready to travel and we look forward to travel from the Pearl of Africa to the Giant of Africa,” said Hajjia, who also doubles as the Patron of Nigerian Students in Uganda.
About two weeks ago, Uganda Airlines announced a direct flight to Mumbai, India.
Before the end of the year, the airline is expected to announce an uninterrupted flight to Guangzhou, China.
