The Ugandan government is discussing direct flights between Entebbe and Kigali International Airports with Rwanda to ease the movement of goods and people.
Uganda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, JeJe Odongo revealed this during the eleventh Rwanda-Uganda Joint Permanent Commission (JPC) held in Kigali.
“Uganda welcomes the acceptance of the designation of our national carrier, Uganda Airlines by Rwandan authorities which will lead to its commencing of direct flights from Entebbe to Kigali,” Odongo said:
“This will further boost trade, enhance connectivity, and contribute to strengthening people-to-people exchanges,” Odongo said.
Four Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) have been signed in the fields of Justice and Constitutionalism, Mutual Legal Assistance, Diplomatic and Political Consultations, and Migration Matters between Uganda and Rwanda as we close #UGRwandaJPC23.@GovUganda @UGHighCommRWA pic.twitter.com/9ODek58lLQ
— General Odongo Jeje (@GenJejeOdongo) March 24, 2023
This afternoon, Minister @Vbiruta officially closed the 11th JPC between 🇷🇼&🇺🇬. “This important meeting marks another milestone in the ongoing process to revitalize the longstanding and excellent bilateral relations between our two countries," he said while delivering remarks. pic.twitter.com/mbzwjIlVZL
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Int'l Cooperation (@RwandaMFA) March 24, 2023
However, it is still being determined when the Ugandan Airline will commence route operations.
Uganda Airlines resumed operations in August 2019. Rwanda’s national carrier, RwandAir, flies to Entebbe, Uganda, three times daily.
The 11th Joint Permanent Commission between Rwanda and Uganda was revived in September 2022.
Rwanda reopened its border with Uganda in 2022. It closed in February 2019 after the two East African neighbours escalated political differences.
According to the Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC), in 2020, Uganda had a large net trade with Rwanda in the exports of Mineral Products ($1.28M), Textiles ($240k), and Transportation ($221k).
