Upon descent and as the aircraft taxied towards an exuberant display of water cannon salutes, a wave of elation filled the air.
Cheers, jubilant dancing, and celebrations resonated through both Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Zambia and Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in Zimbabwe on September 24th, 2024.
This momentous occasion was marked by flight UR 720, bound for Harare via Lusaka, signifying Uganda Airlines’ expansion to its 15th and 16th destinations in its five-year journey.
At the helm of the Uganda delegation aboard this historic flight was the Honorable Matia Kasaija, Minister of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development. The delegation was warmly welcomed upon arrival by Hon. Museba Frank Tayali, Zambia’s Minister of Transport and Logistics.
Before departure, at a press briefing in Entebbe, Uganda’s High Commissioner to Zambia, Ambassador Colonel (rtd) Fred Mwesigye, alongside the Head of Regional Economic Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Richard Kabonero, emphasized the deeper significance of this new route. Mwesigye highlighted that the route not only underscores the longstanding historical connections among Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe but also signifies “a deliberate and strategic initiative to bolster social and cultural exchanges, ultimately fostering greater economic cooperation.”
In his address, Hon. Matia Kasaija, who led Uganda’s delegation on this landmark flight, called for the spirit of “Africanisation” to be embraced, urging the promotion of unity and solidarity among Africans with the goal of driving collective economic growth. He expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for its tireless efforts in making this achievement possible.
“Air travel shortens distances, and this is especially crucial in Africa, where other means of connecting the continent are limited,” he remarked, adding that he hoped this new route would lead to a more balanced trade relationship among the three nations.
“It is my hope that enhanced air connectivity between our nations will energize a thriving travel market, fostering stronger business, trade, and tourism ties between Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe,” Hon. Matia Kasaija expressed.
In Lusaka, Hon. Museba Frank Tayali welcomed the launch of flights from Entebbe, describing it as a significant step forward for Zambia’s aviation sector. He reaffirmed Zambia’s recognition of Uganda as a crucial strategic partner in advancing economic growth, trade, and investment between the two peoples.
“The start of these flights will deepen existing business ties and unlock opportunities for promoting tourism, trade, and foreign direct investments between Zambia and Uganda,” he remarked.
At the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in Harare, both High Commissioners Paul Amoru (Uganda) and Winpeg Moyo (Zimbabwe) highlighted that the new flight would strengthen people-to-people connections and advance broader regional integration efforts.
“As members of the East African Community and the Southern African Development Community, Uganda and Zimbabwe are working towards improved connectivity that drives economic growth and development,” noted Ambassador Moyo.
Uganda Airlines CEO, Ms. Jenifer Bamuturaki, added, “We are delighted to reconnect with the capitals of Zambia and Zimbabwe, nations whose rich histories and cultures are intertwined with Uganda’s. These new routes, which broaden travel choices between East and Southern Africa and beyond, reaffirm our commitment to offering safe, affordable, and dependable air transport services that connect the continent.”
“These flights are designed to cater to travelers who may wish to end their journey in Uganda, as well as those looking to explore further destinations within our network, including Nairobi, Dar-es-Salaam, Zanzibar, Kilimanjaro, Bujumbura, Dubai, Mogadishu, Johannesburg, Mombasa, Mumbai, Lagos, Abuja, Juba, or Kinshasa,” Ms. Jenifer Bamuturaki continued.
The airline will operate the Entebbe-Lusaka-Harare (EBB-LUN-HRE) route four times a week.
