Nigeria has urged Uganda to sign the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) agreement, saying the move would allow Uganda Airlines to expand its reach across West Africa and strengthen trade and investment links between the two countries.
Dr Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation of Nigeria and leader of the Nigerian delegation, said Uganda must become a signatory to SAATM to take full advantage of its growing air links with West Africa.
“Uganda must be a signatory of SATAM,” Kana said during the Uganda-Nigeria Business Forum in Kampala, arguing that the agreement would allow Uganda Airlines to pick up passengers in destinations such as Accra and Lagos before returning to Entebbe.
He said that without the agreement, Uganda Airlines would be limited to operating between Entebbe and individual destinations, restricting its ability to build a wider West African network.
The push comes as Uganda Airlines prepares to launch direct flights between Entebbe and Accra, Ghana, from October 27, 2026, with four weekly flights. The national carrier already operates direct flights between Entebbe and Lagos.
Kana said improved connectivity would help strengthen commercial relations between Uganda and Nigeria by making it easier for people and businesses to move between the two countries.
“There is no investment, there is no way we can move forward in Africa without the people-to-people connection,” he said, adding that Nigerian businesses were ready to invest in Uganda while encouraging greater movement of people between the two countries.
Uganda Airlines Chief Executive Officer Girma Wake said airlines should be viewed as more than transport providers because they connect people, businesses, markets and opportunities.
He said improved connectivity between Uganda and Nigeria could bring businesses closer, open new markets and make it easier for investors and entrepreneurs to explore opportunities in both countries.
Wake said airlines facilitate the movement of people, goods and services, supporting trade, tourism, investment and cultural links between countries.
Uganda’s Head of Regional Economic Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Richard Kabonero, said the Entebbe-Accra route would further strengthen Uganda’s access to West Africa.
He said Nigeria’s large market presents opportunities for Ugandan businesses, particularly in pharmaceuticals, while improved logistics would help address one of the main challenges facing exporters.
“We hope that our government will sign the SATAM so that we can access this freedom to take passengers from Lagos to Accra,” Kabonero said.
He said stronger air and other transport links would support Uganda’s efforts to expand its business footprint across Africa, with Nigeria potentially serving as a gateway to West African markets.
The discussions were held under the theme “Enhancing Business Linkages and Market Access through the AfCFTA Framework,” with participants seeking to turn closer Uganda-Nigeria relations into increased trade, investment and business partnerships.
