Uganda eyes Maldives air link to unlock trade, tourism and export opportunities

Uganda is exploring the establishment of a direct air link with the Maldives as part of efforts to expand international connectivity, open new markets for exporters and strengthen the country’s position as a regional business and tourism hub.

The proposed Entebbe–Maldives air connection was discussed during a high-level engagement convened by Col. Edith Nakalema, Head of the State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU), bringing together Minister of Works and Transport Fred Byamukama, Uganda Airlines Chief Executive Officer Girma Wake, and Yongbin He (Ben), Administrator at the Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Maldives.

The discussions centred on how improved air connectivity could create new opportunities in trade, tourism, investment, agriculture and cargo transportation between Uganda, the Maldives and wider Asian markets.

For Uganda, the proposed route comes with ambitions that go beyond passenger travel. Stakeholders see the Maldives, a major global tourism destination, as a potential gateway for Ugandan products and a source of high-value tourism and investment opportunities.

From coffee to tourism

Girma said Uganda has a wide range of products and economic opportunities that could benefit from stronger international connectivity.

“From coffee and fish to food, minerals and tourism, Uganda is sitting on a gold mine of opportunities waiting to be unlocked,” Girma said.

He said as Uganda Airlines expands into African, Gulf, European and Asian markets, the national carrier is positioning itself to support Uganda’s export ambitions while connecting the country to international business and tourism markets.

The proposed Maldives connection could therefore form part of a broader strategy to integrate Uganda’s producers and businesses into global value chains.

Entebbe as gateway to Maldives

Yongbin He proposed positioning Entebbe International Airport as East Africa’s gateway to the Maldives, potentially creating new commercial opportunities between the two markets.

He identified Uganda’s premium coffee and flower exports, seafood trade and high-end tourism as areas that could benefit from improved connectivity.

The proposal comes as Uganda seeks to increase the value of its agricultural exports by moving beyond the export of raw commodities and developing stronger logistics and market connections for high-value products.

A direct or more efficient connection with the Maldives could also provide Ugandan tourism operators with access to a premium international market while creating opportunities for Maldivian tourists and investors to explore Uganda.

Cargo opportunity for exporters

The discussions also placed cargo connectivity at the centre of Uganda’s aviation and export ambitions.

Byamukama said government would support initiatives aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation and expanding transport links that can help farmers and exporters access international markets.

“Uganda will not kill your dream. We shall play our role, strengthen bilateral cooperation, expand transport connectivity, and unlock cargo opportunities that will empower our farmers and exporters,” he said.

The minister said improved connectivity would be particularly important as Uganda Airlines expands its network and explores dedicated cargo services.

For agricultural producers, better air cargo infrastructure could provide faster access to overseas markets for products such as coffee, pineapples and avocados, alongside other high-value and time-sensitive exports.

A wider investment proposition

The proposed air link is also being viewed as part of Uganda’s broader investment strategy.

Beyond tourism and agricultural exports, the engagement identified potential opportunities in minerals, technology, investment and bilateral cooperation.

Nakalema said the government would continue working to remove barriers that prevent investors and businesses from taking advantage of emerging opportunities.

“We don’t believe in failure, we believe in success already in motion,” she said.

The initiative also aligns with President Yoweri Museveni’s broader call for government agencies to reduce bureaucracy and accelerate economic transformation, according to SHIPU.

For the investment protection agency, improved international connectivity is not simply a transport issue. It is a potential catalyst for investment, trade and market access.

Can connectivity transform trade?

Uganda’s challenge has increasingly shifted from producing commodities to accessing lucrative international markets efficiently and competitively.

The proposed Entebbe–Maldives link illustrates how aviation can become part of that equation. A reliable connection could reduce logistical barriers, support high-value exports, facilitate business travel and strengthen tourism flows.

However, turning the proposal into a commercially viable route would require coordination among government agencies, Uganda Airlines, aviation authorities, investors and counterparts in the Maldives.

For Uganda Airlines, expanding connectivity while building cargo capacity could provide a platform for linking local producers to international consumers.

The Maldives engagement therefore represents more than a proposed new destination on Uganda Airlines’ network. It is part of a broader effort to use aviation as an engine for trade, tourism, agricultural value addition and investment.

If realised, the Entebbe–Maldives connection could give Uganda another bridge into Asian markets while strengthening the country’s ambition to become a competitive gateway for East African trade and tourism.