Uganda Airlines to Launch Direct Flights to India

Uganda Airlines has plans to launch direct flights to India, according to the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development Matia Kasaija, who said the initiative will help enhance trade and tourism relations between Kampala and New Delhi.

The minister revealed this during the Uganda- India Business Convention held at the Kampala Serena Hotel on Friday.

The national carrier is already making a long-haul flight to Dubai and it has already secured a landing slot at London Heathrow Airport.

Within the continent, it flies to Kenya, Somalia, DRC, Burundi, South Sudan, Tanzania and South Africa.

India and Uganda remain strong trade partners, with import and export value with India standing at US$959.11 million and $56.98 million respectively.

"India has consistently remained one of the top investors in Uganda with an estimated investment worth US$1bn in the last two decades. In 2020, India’s investments in Uganda hit USD$200 million," the minister said.

"Uganda and India relations date back to centuries. Over the years these relations have evolved and today, our two countries enjoy excellent bilateral relations as demonstrated by the exchange of visits at the highest level and concluded memoranda of understanding in the various fields, making India a strategic partner for Uganda.” 

The Uganda- India Business Convention is part of a series of activities organized for members of the Indian Industries Association (IIA) who are on an eight-day tour of Uganda to explore partnerships in Investment, Trade, and Tourism.  

The Uganda National Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Indian Industry Association have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to foster trade and investment cooperation between the two countries, according to the foreign affairs ministry.