Northern Corridor Partner States Strive for Reduction of Airfares and Modern Air Navigation Services.

Uganda joined partner states at the 11^th Meeting of the Northern Corridor Integration Projects (NCIP) for Permanent Secretaries in Kigali on June 26^th, 2025. The Ugandan delegation, led by NCIP National Coordinator Ambassador Richard Kabonero, included Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority Mr. Fred Bamwesigye, officials from the Uganda High Commission in Kigali, and technical experts from the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority.

The meeting advanced transformative measures to reduce airfares and enhance regional air connectivity, with Uganda securing key benefits:

SIGNIFICANT AGREEMENTS FOR UGANDA

1. IMMEDIATE AIRFARE REDUCTION
   1. Fifth Freedom Rights Activation: Airlines to operate competitive routes through Entebbe (e.g., Nairobi-Entebbe-Kigali), lowering fares via increased competition.
   2. Airline Alliances: Ugandan carriers to pursue codeshares and interlines with regional airlines, expanding affordable flight options.
   3. Travel Agent Regulations: Regional legislation by June 2026 to protect travelers from exploitative pricing.

2. FEE HARMONIZATION
   Uganda will participate in a December 2025 stakeholder summit to harmonize and reduce Passenger Service Charges and Air Navigation fees – directly lowering operational costs for flights originating from Entebbe.

3. CONTINENTAL EXPANSION
   Accelerated accession to the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) by December 2025, unlocking 35+ African destinations for Ugandan airlines and passengers.

4. AIRSPACE MODERNIZATION

1. Real-Time Data Hub: Entebbe Air Traffic Control to share flight data with Nairobi, Kigali, and Juba via the new Distributed Aeronautical Database, enhancing safety and efficiency.
2. Border Surveillance Fusion: Improved radar coverage for flights entering/leaving Ugandan airspace.
3. Civil-Military Coordination: Signed framework (pending Kenya) to optimize national airspace utilization.

5. SAFETY UPGRADES

Regional joint accident investigation mechanism activated for faster responses, leveraging shared resources.

Ambassador Kabonero emphasized: “This meeting translates regional cooperation into tangible outcomes for Ugandans: cheaper tickets, expanded routes, and world-class airspace management. Amb Kabonero encouraged Uganda Airlines to priorities Entebbe-Kigali route as one of the measures to reduce airfares while positioning Entebbe to benefit from these initiatives as a regional hub.