Afolabi Osho, West Africa Editor of Jambo Africa Online, engages in a conversation with His Excellency Nelson Ocherger, Ugandan High Commissioner to Nigeria and ECOWAS/Equatorial Guinea. The discussion centers on the strategic initiative by Uganda Airlines, heralded as a game-changer for the region, with the potential to transform business travel, strengthen economic ties, and usher in a new era of connectivity between East and West Africa. The reduction in travel time from a lengthy 10-hour journey to a swift three-and-a-half-hour flight marks a transformative milestone.
Afolabi Osho: Your Excellency, the recent launch of direct flights between Uganda and Nigeria by Uganda Airlines has significantly reduced travel time and enhanced connectivity between the two countries. Could you share your perspective on how this development will strengthen diplomatic relations and economic ties between Uganda and Nigeria?
Amb. Nelson Ocherger: First and foremost, given the good bilateral relationship between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Republic of Uganda, it is crucial for us in the public sector to translate this significant development into tangible benefits for our populations. The government collaboration must impact the people we serve positively. At the business level, our focus is on reducing the cost of doing business. One effective way to achieve this is by investing in air transportation.
The arrival of Uganda Airlines in Lagos aims to reduce the cost of doing business, particularly by slashing the travel time from over 10 hours to a mere 3.5 hours. This reduction directly translates into cost savings. Moreover, it opens up opportunities for both countries to exchange goods and services seamlessly. Prior to Uganda Airlines, goods had to traverse routes through the Middle East and Europe before reaching Nigeria. With direct flights, the airline aligns with the goals of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AFCTA), facilitating the movement of goods and services between East and West Africa. This is a crucial step in leveraging the AFCTA framework and the Single Africa Air Transport Market (SAATM) to improve connectivity and reduce air transport costs across the continent.
In summary, the introduction of Uganda Airlines in Nigeria is a significant milestone for us. It not only reduces the cost of doing business but also contributes to the integration of the African continent.
Afolabi Osho: Beyond enhancing economic cooperation, how can this aviation development between Uganda and Nigeria contribute to broader regional stability and cooperation, especially within the context of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the East African Community (EAC)?
Amb. Nelson Orcheger: As the Uganda High Commissioner to Nigeria and representative to 16 West African states, including ECOWAS and Equatorial Guinea, I emphasize the importance of collaboration among East African Countries Envoys in Abuja. This collaboration extends beyond bilateral relations to sharing information about diplomatic missions for our respective countries.
ECOWAS, comprising 15 countries, is seen as an important market for our products and services, and the same applies to the regional market in East Africa. Achieving stable and viable markets necessitates free movement of persons and capital within both regions, fostering a conducive environment for implementing the AFCFTA and establishing a robust market.
To enhance diplomatic relations, resolve conflicts, and fight insecurity, good air connectivity within Africa is essential. Currently, West Africa has airlines like Askyline in Nigeria and Air Cote d’Ivoire connecting the continent. Uganda is working closely with the Nigerian and Ghanaian governments to have Uganda Airlines contribute to free movement from East to West Africa. The goal is to improve air transportation within East and West Africa, promoting stability in both regions.
As a diplomatic envoy, we convey our position to governments and regional bodies to address issues hindering stable markets in West and East Africa. The introduction of Uganda Airlines is a governmental effort to create an enabling environment for thriving businesses and ease the movement of people and business between continents, ultimately establishing political and economic stability in both regions.
In conclusion, Uganda Airlines in Nigeria contributes to economic advancement, improves living conditions, and seeds opportunities for regional growth.
Afolabi Osho: Since the arrival of Uganda Air, what feedback have you received and what impact has it had on your route?
Amb. Nelson Ocherger: Uganda Airlines is not solely focused on passenger services but also on cargo transportation. The airline operates flights to Mumbai, India, and since its arrival in Lagos, there has been a notable increase in cargo volume moving from Mumbai via Entebbe. This trend is expected to reverse, with Lagos serving as a gateway for cargo moving from Nigeria to Uganda, India, UAE, China, and other destinations where Uganda Airlines operates.
I urge the Nigerian business community to seize the opportunities provided by Uganda Airlines to transport their goods from Nigeria to Uganda or to international destinations such as India, UAE, and China via Entebbe. The airline’s presence opens up new avenues for trade and commerce between the two countries.