The Uganda-India Business Forum attracted officials from the Ugandan Government and the Indian Community
The Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Katumba Wamala has described as timely Uganda Airlines’ Mumbai route.
The national carrier will On October 7, 2023 launch its maiden flight to Mumbai, India.
Speaking at the Uganda-India Business Forum on Friday at Serena Hotel in Kampala, Gen. Katumba said on top of battling negative press, the airline has come from far.
“I congratulate the Airline,” Gen. Katumba said, describing the route as timely.
“This route is going to create a highway between Uganda and India. It will be like driving on the Entebbe Expressway,” Gen. Katumba said.
He added that it also ease doing of business.
“Opportunities are already triggered in the different sectors of tourism, agriculture, textile, fruits and vegetables, coffee, pharmaceuticals and manufacturing among others,” Katumba said.
He said that Government will prioritize connectivity and open more routes.
“We will continue to announce more routes before the end of the year,” Gen. Katumba said.
He appealed to the Indian community to patronize the airline so that it can grow and expand its network.
Uganda Airlines will fly to Mumbai three times a week: Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Upender Singh Rawat, the High Commissioner of India to Uganda, said the route will enhance trade and investment between Uganda and India.
“It has been a long pending desire and vision for the Indian community in Uganda. We have a lot of Indian investment in Uganda and over 35,000 Indians living in Uganda. We have over 1,200 Ugandan students studying in India. All these will benefit from this direct flight,” he said.
Uganda Airlines Chief Executive Officer, Jennifer Bamuturaki, pledged convenience, efficiency and safety to the Indian Community in Uganda.
“We are excited to start this operation to Mumbai, the Gateway to India. This will be our 12th route and 2nd international flight,” she said.
She commended UNDP for supporting the airline in organizing the Uganda-India Business Forum.
“In a special way, I would like to thank UNDP which has supported the airline to bring all of you together in support of the Entebbe – Mumbai route,” she said.
Elsie Attafuah, the UNDP Resident Representative noted that the new route from Entebbe to Mumbai will further strengthen tourism, trade and investment opportunities between the two countries.
“The role of cross-border trade in development cannot be overstated. It has the power to generate employment, enhance productivity, drive technological advancements, and facilitate inclusive and sustainable development,” she said.
According to Attafuah, trade remains a key driver of job creation and poverty eradication by unlocking market opportunities, capital and financing necessary to expand economic growth opportunities.
As such, she said that Ugandan enterprises must continue to tap into regional and global markets through AfCFTA and beyond.
Speaking at the same forum, businessman and Senior Presidential Advisor on Special Duties, Odrek Rwabogo, said: “I am excited about Mumbai. We are going to give you all the support needed.”
With this new route from Entebbe to Mumbai, Rwabogo said tourism is going to be promoted in Uganda.
“Our economy will be strengthened and many young people will venture into business,” he said.
