Uganda Airlines Launches the Entebbe-Lusaka Route

The Uganda national carrier started operations in 1976 on the Eve of Idd Amin. The airline continued in operation until 2001 during the reign of Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, when the majority of the national enterprises were sold off. In August 2019, after close to 20 years of non-existence, the country relaunched a national carrier. However, this came with some challenges; the travel routes were not readily available.

Unlike some African countries that have already made strides on local flights, Uganda is still struggling with the same. Therefore, the country is mainly focusing on outbound flights in order to make its footprint on the global scene. The country that started with initially four routes, which were around East Africa, has further stretched its wings outside the African continent. However even on the continent itself, Uganda is making strong strides to ensure that it has a presence in almost all regions of Africa.

In the same spirit of of expansion, Uganda Airlines has expanded its network with the launch of a new Lusaka-Entebbe route, marking its entry into the Zambian market. The airline will operate four weekly flights, significantly reducing travel time between the two cities from 24 hours to just over two hours. In a statement, Uganda Airlines underlined that the new Lusaka and Harare routes would enhance connectivity between East and Southern Africa.

The airline is using the advanced CRJ 900-LR aircraft, offering passengers a more efficient and comfortable travel experience without extended layovers. “We are committed to providing safe, affordable, and reliable services,” the airline said, as it continues to strengthen its presence in regional air travel. The move is expected to boost trade and tourism between the two nations. The Kampala Lusaka route has joined the recently opened routes of Abuja, Saudi Arabia among others.

It should be noted that Zambia is one of the countries that receives a lot of tourists from around the world because of the Victoria falls. With the new direct flight, the tours and travel industry expects to facilitate the connectivity that would make it possible to integrate gorilla trekking with the visit to the one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the whole world.

Zambia is also known for its flat terrains that always get people’s minds blown away when they visit Uganda which is quite full of hills. Visiting the two countries grants you a proper insight into the realization that Africa is not merely a country, it is a continent with several countries.