Rwanda grants Uganda permission to operate passenger flights to Kigali
Rwanda has permitted Uganda’s national carrier to operate passenger flights to Kigali, Uganda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jeje Odongo announced Friday as the two neighboring countries seek to revive bilateral relations.
Speaking at a ministerial meeting in Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda, Odongo said the move that will allow Uganda Airlines to commence direct flights from Entebbe Airport to Kigali International Airport is a critical signal of improved relations between the two countries.
“Uganda welcomes the acceptance of the designation of our national carrier Uganda Airlines by the Rwandan authorities. This will further boost trade, enhance connectivity and contribute to strengthening people to people exchanges,” he said.
The development was announced as Rwanda and Ugandan officials gathered for a business forum, convened to explore business opportunities between the two countries, a side event of the 11th Joint Permanent Commission between Rwanda and Uganda which concluded Friday.
“Rwanda and Uganda have had warm and cordial relations from time immemorial despite the distortions by colonialists who drew artificial boundaries, making us appear different yet we are the same,” Odongo said.
He acknowledged that there have been difficulties in ties but with consensus of the two countries’ leaders progress has been made in normalizing relations.
Rwanda reopened its border with Uganda in 2022 which had been closed in February 2019 after political differences spiraled between the East African neighbors.
Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Minister Vincent Biruta speaking at the same event, said the relation between the countries is “built on shared history, culture and geography.”
“Our bilateral engagement is not only in the interest of our two countries but also in the interest of ensuring peace, stability and economic integration in our region,” he said.
