DST Patrick Ocailap reveals business opportunities of Uganda Airlines’s new Harare, Lusaka Routes

Following the successful conclusion of the Uganda-Zambia Trade and Business Forum in Lusaka in Zambia, Uganda Airlines launched two more routes, Harare and Lusaka.

The two destinations will be served four times a week, marking the first time in 23 years that a direct flight from Uganda will serve the two capitals.

Uganda-Zambia Trade and Business Forum that attracted different leaders according to experts will create a vital opportunity to boost trade and investment between the two nations and strengthen economic ties across key sectors.

While discussing the significance of Uganda Airlines' new routes to Lusaka and Harare, The Deputy Secretary to The Treasury Mr. Patrick Ocailap has highlighted various investment opportunities that the destinations have exposed.

DST Patrick Ocailap during an interview

In an interview, Mr. Ocailap said that the opening up of the two routes is incorporated in the government’s equation to enhance    tourism revenue which he said answers Ugandans' economic need aimed at boosting prosperity.

 “Opening up these routes is part of our equation to see how best to increase the tourism earnings from the present figure of about $1.3 Billion to a bigger figure,” he said

  He encouraged Ugandan business leaders and investors to embrace and utilize the potential of the new routes that have made it easier to conduct business between the two countries by removing the previous barriers that would have hindered harnessing the available business opportunities.

  He particularly pointed out various sectors including the mining and minerals treatment of raw materials to improve them which he said will promote the exportation of value-added goods.

  “While using their experience, mining, and mineral beneficiation add value to export value-added minerals using the pan-African model to equally go and make more money by the private sector” he said

During the Uganda-Zambia Trade and Business Forum in Zambia at Radisson Blu hotel, Mr Ocailap represented the Government of the Republic at the opening ceremony and made remarks on behalf of the Finance Minister Hon. Matia Kasaijja flanked by Hon. Chipoka Mulenga Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry of Zambia, Dickson Kateshumbwa Member of Parliament Sheema Municipality among other dignitaries. 

Participants at the form from leaders and the business communities in both countries discussed trade and investment opportunities. 

H.E Amb. Col. Fred Mwesigye said that the new route not only symbolizes the historical bonds of the two countries but also represents a strategic move to enhance social and cultural exchange leading to the boosting of business cooperation and opening the door to unforgettable experiences and connections across Africa.

According to Uganda Airlines, they have made 16 destinations so far completing the initial route ramp-up ahead of further expansion beyond the African market. The inaugural flight UR720 departed Entebbe at 10:00 AM today, Wednesday, the 25th, and arrived in Lusaka at 11:45 AM and then to Harare at 12:30 PM, arriving at 1:30 PM. The flight, operated using the CRJ 900 fleet, had a Uganda government delegation on board.

You can access booking of the flights through the Uganda Airlines website or mobile app here: https://bit.ly/3zjTVtb