By Frank M.Gashumba
Kenya Airways launched direct flights to New York, Rwanda Air launched it’s new direct flights to Gatwick London and our dear president launches a Washing Bay at Mulago roundabout. What a shame!
For personal reasons, I had decided not to write about the latest infrustructual developments in Rwanda, but at times there are things that cannot simply go ignored.
While reading last week’s issue of the East African, this article details how Kenyan airways is to start direct flights from Nairobi to New York, USA. For those frequent travelers, KQ will reduce the current flight time by 5hrs with this new move.
The Rwandese, who left Uganda to Rwanda in 1990 under the leadership of the resting lion, General Fred Rwigema (RIP) and now under the leadership of the nonsensical President Paul Kagame have made steady strides in transforming Rwanda and it’s people. Rwanda Air has also started direct flights from Kigali to Gatwick – London.
Our own Uganda airlines suffered a forced miscarriage and buried by this regime.
Shortly before NRA taking over power in 1986, Uganda airlines was flying to all major capitals of the world including London, Brussels, Milan etc. In addition to international flights, Uganda airlines had internal domestic flights to places like Gulu, Soroti, Kasese etc This visionary regime deliberately killed it.
Nothing adds great brand strategy to a nation
like its own established fully operating airline. Every time an airplane lands at a runway, it advertises its country. Every time I see Rwanda Air planes parked at the Emirates airport in Dubai, i ask myself; What wrong did Ugandan do that doesn’t allow us to enjoy such niceties?
Do you guys know that all East African countries have fully operational airlines? One of the things we shall remember NRM for is that they successfully killed each and everything that promoted patriotism I.e Uganda Commercial Bank, Uganda Railway, Uganda Transport Company, The Co-perative Bank, Coffee Marketing Board Etc.
How can a country like Uganda, that is strategically positioned fail to own an airline?
The only domestic airline we have is the presidential Jet owned by the big man from Rwakitura! How about we sell off that overly priced G5 plane and buy us an airbus maybe? Just one!
99% of airlines landing at Entebbe are foreign airlines, meaning every time you buy an air ticket, you make the purchase it in dollars, thus shipping out foreign currency.
I know confused elites will argue that national airlines don’t make money! How about this? Last year, Ugandans spent 400 billion on State House alone. What value does state House add to Ugandans??????????
Kankomewo!!!
Share with me your views and kindly these are global matters, I don’t expect to see any villagers in the comment box.
When I post about taxi parks, boda boda stages, Ekigunda, night prayers, Enkuka then we shall entertain your views!
Twitter:Frank Gashumba
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Email: frank@sisimuka.org
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