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On Saturday, Uganda Airlines took to the skies from Entebbe bound for India for the very first time.

The Mumbai-destined inaugural flight, captained by Robert Wakhweya Bwayo, was launched in the afternoon works and transport minister Gen. Katumba Wamala.

A total of 58 passengers were on the six-and-a-half-hour flight.

Before the Uganda Airlines Airbus departed for the east, a ceremonial affair was held to celebrate the inaugural flight.

It is a route seen to have opened the doors for enhanced movement and trade between Uganda and India.

Minister Wamala said many Ugandans are studying in India whereas others travel to the world's largest democracy for medical treatment.

He said many Indians also make the reverse trip for business, tourism and other reasons.

Wamala said the direct flight on Uganda Airlines will not only seal the bond between the two peoples, but it will also improve their partnership.

Uganda Airlines CEO Jenifer Bamuturaki said the national carrier will fly the Mumbai route three times every week.

She expressed optimism that the second international route after that of Dubai — and the 12 route in total — will help Uganda Airlines to break even in the aviation industry.

Passengers can now take direct flights from Entebbe to Mumbai on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.

During the ceremony on the Entebbe Airport tarmac, several businesspeople of Indian origin were present to witness what they termed as a landmark breakthrough.

Also present was Upender Singh Rawat, the Indian High Commissioner to Uganda and Bradford Ocheng, the deputy CEO of Uganda Tourism Board, among others.

Adedayo Olawuyi, the chief commercial officer of Uganda Airlines, revealed that the maiden flight will return on Tuesday with cargo weighing five tonnes.