The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) has directed Jinja City Council to urgently relocate Amber Court Farmers’ Market to pave the way for the planned expansion and modernisation of Jinja Aerodrome.
In a letter dated June 30, 2026, addressed to the Jinja City Town Clerk, UCAA said the land currently occupied by the market is essential for completing key infrastructure upgrades, including the extension of the runway, taxiway and apron.
The authority said the redevelopment project is aimed at increasing the aerodrome’s capacity to handle more air traffic and accommodate larger aircraft as part of efforts to improve aviation infrastructure in the Busoga sub-region.
“His Excellency the President directed that all land belonging to MDAs neighbouring Jinja Airport be given to the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority. The land currently serving as Amber Court Farmers’ Market is critical for completion and full operationalisation of the upgrade of the runway, taxiway and apron at Jinja Aerodrome,” UCAA stated.
The aviation regulator has given Jinja City Council three months to relocate the market, allowing civil works to commence and enabling the installation of a perimeter security fence in compliance with Civil Aviation (Security) Regulations, 2022.
UCAA warned that the continued operation of the market near the aerodrome presents aviation safety risks, particularly due to waste generated at the facility, which attracts birds, stray animals and other wildlife that could interfere with aircraft operations.
In a letter signed by the Director of Airports and Aviation Security, UCAA said the market’s presence contravenes provisions of the Civil Aviation (Aerodromes) Regulations, 2022, warning that failure to address the issue could affect the aerodrome’s licensing and operations.
“The land currently holding Amber Court Farmers’ Market is supposed to be levelled as part of the airstrip. If this is not handled urgently, it poses serious safety hazards as it attracts birds, wildlife and domestic animals due to the waste generated,” UCAA said.
The directive comes as government moves to secure land surrounding Jinja Aerodrome to support infrastructure development and strengthen aviation safety standards.
Redevelopment works at the airfield started last year, focusing on runway expansion, perimeter fencing and construction of a modern access gate. However, plans to extend the runway from the current 1.5 kilometres to the recommended 3 kilometres have been slowed by limited land availability.
The planned relocation is expected to affect thousands of traders who depend on Ambercourt Farmers’ Market, one of the largest agricultural produce markets in eastern Uganda.
Established around July 2002 through a partnership between the then Jinja Municipal Council and the military, the market was initially created to support the livelihoods of soldiers’ spouses attached to Gaddafi Garrison along Kimaka Road.
Over the years, Amber Court has grown into a major agricultural distribution hub serving traders from across the Busoga sub-region and other parts of the country. The market attracts vendors dealing in fruits, vegetables, matooke, cassava, yams, sweet potatoes, cabbages and watermelons, with traders from areas such as Busia and Kampala’s Nakasero Market sourcing produce from the facility.
Despite its economic importance, the market has faced longstanding ownership disputes involving the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF). Previous attempts to relocate the market, including directives from the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs, have not been implemented.
The Jinja City master plan had proposed relocating the market to Budondo, about 15 kilometres from its current location, but the proposal has faced resistance from traders who fear losing customers and access to transport networks.
Jinja City authorities are now tasked with identifying an alternative location that addresses traders’ concerns while meeting national aviation safety requirements before the expiry of the UCAA deadline.
