ACCRA, GHANA — In a massive boost for African connectivity and trade, the government of Ghana has officially declared visa-free entry for Ugandan citizens traveling to the country.
The major announcement was revealed by Kwame Ejalu, the Honorary Consul of Ghana to Uganda, during the colorful launch of Uganda Airlines’ new direct route to Accra.
“You won’t need visas to travel to Ghana,” Ejalu confirmed, celebrating the removal of travel barriers between the two nations.
The inaugural Uganda Airlines flight departed Entebbe at 10:42 a.m. and touched down in Accra just after 4:00 p.m., clocking in a smooth five-hour journey.
Led by Works and Transport Minister Fred Byamukama, the Ugandan delegation noted that travelers previously endured grueling seven-to-ten-hour journeys to get to West Africa. With Uganda Airlines now operating four weekly flights, travel time has been slashed to just five hours.
“Time wasted is money wasted,” Minister Byamukama remarked. He also commended the national carrier for its vastly improved punctuality, shrugging off past criticisms of scheduling delays.
The new route is being eyed as a major economic catalyst. Amos Lugoloobi, the Minister of State for Finance in charge of Planning, urged the airline to optimize its cargo capacity to help Ugandan farmers export fresh produce. He also invited Ghanaian investors to establish long-term ventures in Uganda.
Uganda Airlines CEO Girma Wake shared an expansive vision for the route, calling it a gateway to the rest of West Africa.
“Our goal is to be an engine of growth, not just transport for passengers and cargo,” Wake said, emphasizing that the connection will bridge culture, tourism, and business opportunities.
The Accra launch marks a significant milestone as the national carrier celebrates seven years of operations. Uganda Airlines Board Chairperson Priscilla Mirembe Serukka noted that Accra brings the airline’s active network to 18 destinations, moving closer to its ultimate target of 24 routes.
Olive Lumonya Birungi, Deputy Director General of the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority, added that Uganda Airlines already commands 30% of the air traffic into Uganda, and this new route will further accelerate the sector’s rapid growth.
With Accra locked in, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is already looking to the next milestone. Ambassador Richard Kabonero, Head of Regional Economic Cooperation, confirmed that the airline will officially expand its regional footprint next month, with flights to Kigali, Rwanda, set to launch on November 18, 2026.
Uganda Airlines Schedule to Accra:
Flights will operate four times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
Flights will operate four times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
