Let's Build Trust to Ease Air Transport for Intra-Africa; Vice President

The Vice President of the republic of Uganda, HE Rtd Maj. Jessica Alupo has called onto African countries to build trust through Air transport which shrinks both time and distance, facilitates the movement of goods, people and investment. 

The Vice President made the remarks on Monday while inaugurating the 55th African Airlines Association Annual General Assembly. Alupo noted that trust is a product of a spirit of equity, give and take and a commitment to common rules and values.

"It is therefore a critical enabler, which Africa cannot do without because her rail and road infrastructure lack due coverage for interstate movement. As Africa pursues the goal of continental integration, it will be important to focus on growing Air transport for ease of intra-Africa connectivity.
But all this cannot happen without building trust. And trust is a product of a spirit of equity, give and take and a commitment to common rules and values," VP Alupo added.

During the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the formation of the OAU, the precursor of the African Union in May 2013, African leaders signed a 50th Anniversary Solemn Declaration which committed them to a vision of an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens, representing a dynamic force in the international arena. The building blocks for the attainment of this vision are elaborated in Agenda 2063, which is the blueprint and Africa’s strategic framework for realizing the goal of an inclusive and sustainable development; anchored around unity, self- determination, freedom, progress and shared prosperity.

Maj. Alupo shared the government's commitment to invest in Uganda Airlines the flag carrier and to facilitate her expansion within Africa, while also providing those vita air bridges between the continent and the rest of the world.

"I would therefore, like to conclude my remarks by encouraging you to be bold as you discuss the hurdles to the industry’s growth and to challenge us with new thinking around the issues holding us back," she concluded.