The Uganda-India Business Forum brought together dignitaries from the Ugandan Government and the Indian community to celebrate the upcoming launch of Uganda Airlines’ Mumbai route. Set to take its maiden flight on October 7, 2023, this new route has garnered praise from Gen. Katumba Wamala, the Minister of Works and Transport, who deemed it timely.
Addressing the forum at Serena Hotel in Kampala, Gen. Katumba lauded the airline’s progress and described the Mumbai route as a “highway” connecting Uganda and India. He highlighted the potential benefits in sectors such as tourism, agriculture, textiles, fruits, vegetables, coffee, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing.
Gen. Katumba also revealed the government’s commitment to expanding connectivity, promising to announce more routes by year-end. He urged the Indian community to support Uganda Airlines, enabling its growth and network expansion.
Uganda Airlines is scheduled to operate flights to Mumbai three times a week—on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. Upender Singh Rawat, the High Commissioner of India to Uganda, emphasized that this route would boost trade and investment between the two nations, benefiting the Indian community in Uganda and Ugandan students studying in India.
Jennifer Bamuturaki, CEO of Uganda Airlines, assured the Indian community of convenience, efficiency, and safety on the new route. She thanked UNDP for its support in organizing the Uganda-India Business Forum.
Elsie Attafuah, the UNDP Resident Representative, highlighted the positive impact of the Entebbe-Mumbai route on tourism, trade, and investment opportunities between Uganda and India. She emphasized the role of cross-border trade in driving economic growth, job creation, and poverty reduction.
Businessman and Senior Presidential Advisor on Special Duties, Odrek Rwabogo, expressed his excitement about the Mumbai route, anticipating its potential to boost tourism, strengthen Uganda’s economy, and encourage youth entrepreneurship.
In conclusion, the launch of the Mumbai route by Uganda Airlines is expected to usher in a new era of enhanced economic cooperation and cultural exchange between Uganda and India.
