Uganda and Ghana are seeking to strengthen tourism, trade and business cooperation following the launch of Uganda Airlines’ direct Entebbe–Accra route, with officials from both countries identifying opportunities for joint promotion and increased travel between East and West Africa.
A Ugandan tourism delegation led by Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) Vice Chairperson Ron Kawamara held strategic talks with the Ghana Tourism Authority and private sector representatives in Accra to explore areas of collaboration.
The delegation included Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) Executive Director Dr James Musinguzi, Civil Aviation Authority Deputy Director General Olive Lumonya, Uganda Tourism Association Chairperson Yogi Birigwa, Association of Uganda Tour Operators board member James Mwere and UTB staff.
The discussions followed the inauguration of Uganda Airlines’ Entebbe–Accra service on October 27, 2026. The route is expected to improve connectivity between the two countries and create opportunities for tourism, investment and commercial exchanges.
According to Uganda Airlines, the service operates four times a week via Lagos, Nigeria, bringing the national carrier’s network to 18 destinations.
Uganda’s Minister of State for Planning, Amos Lugoloobi, said the route could help connect businesses with consumers, investors with opportunities and tourists with destinations.
He said stronger regional connections could support Uganda’s Tenfold Growth Strategy and its ambition to build a US$500 billion economy by 2040.
Minister of State for Works and Transport Fred Byamukama said improved air connectivity was a practical step towards advancing Africa’s economic cooperation and integration.
The route links two commercial centres, with the potential to facilitate business, support tourism and strengthen people-to-people relations.
Richard Kabonero, Head of Regional Economic Cooperation at Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, described aviation as an important instrument of the country’s economic and commercial diplomacy.
“When you open aviation links, it really is a pillar of our economic and commercial diplomacy that we are trying to implement,” Kabonero said.
He added that Uganda’s diplomatic missions would continue supporting the national carrier’s expansion and efforts to access African markets.
Ghana’s Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, also highlighted the role of stronger air transport links in connecting people, students, businesses and markets across Africa.
The tourism discussions identified sports tourism, faith-based tourism, film and trade partnerships as potential areas for cooperation.
Uganda’s religious heritage, particularly the Uganda Martyrs Trail, was highlighted as an opportunity to attract visitors from Ghana and strengthen the country’s position as a religious tourism destination.
Sports tourism was another focus, with the two countries looking at opportunities around major sporting events, including the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Uganda will co-host.
Other proposed initiatives include familiarisation trips for Ghanaian tour operators to experience Uganda’s tourism attractions, participation in the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE) and collaboration through the East African Community’s Explore campaign.
The initiatives are intended to promote tourism products, build partnerships between industry players and encourage travel between the two markets.
The direct flight and the tourism talks come as Uganda seeks to expand its presence in African markets and increase the contribution of tourism to economic growth.
Stakeholders hope the new air link will provide a practical foundation for sustained cooperation between Uganda and Ghana in tourism, trade, investment and cultural exchange.
