Business class travelers passing through Entebbe International Airport now have something new to look forward to—an upgraded and expanded Karibuni Lounge designed to offer greater comfort and convenience.
The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) has officially unveiled the refurbished facility, which has been relocated to a more spacious and easily accessible section of the airport.
Speaking during the function, the Minister for Works and Transport, Gen Katumba Wamala said the new facility is designed to improve the travel experience for our valued passengers.
“The lounge is more than just a waiting area; it is a space crafted for comfort, productivity, and relaxation. It has been outfitted with additional features and amenities, including baby changing rooms, an infant playroom, a designated smoking area, three supplementary massage chairs, high-speed Wi-Fi, a relaxation room, a conference room, additional restrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and a prayer
room, among other facilities,” Gen Katumba said.
He said the business lounge has been expanded seeing an increased seating capacity from 160 to 300.
“We are confident that these amenities will substantially enhance the overall travel experience for our distinguished passengers, rendering their journeys more pleasurable and efficient,” the minister said.
He hailed UCAA for taking public feedback into consideration.
“It is always important to understand and identify the needs of travellers and aim to surpass their
expectations. We believe that the new lounge will be a valuable addition to the airport’s ambience and enhance the passenger experience.”
UCAA Director General Fred Bamwesigye explained that the lounge expansion was launched in 2024 in response to the rising number of passengers and growing demand for premium services.
“For years, the main challenge was limited space because most of these facilities date back to the 1960s and 70s,” Bamwesigye said. “We’ve now built a facility that suits today’s travellers and meets international expectations.”
He noted that the project was carefully designed with input from various stakeholders to address concerns frequently raised by passengers about the old lounge.
The result is a modern, well-equipped lounge that offers enhanced comfort and privacy for business travellers, frequent flyers, and others who value a premium airport experience.
“This is an important milestone for us. We must continuously modernize as air travel evolves. Our passengers have experienced world-class airports elsewhere, and we must match those standards,” Bamwesigye remarked.
With passenger numbers rising steadily at Entebbe, UCAA sees lounges like Karibuni as essential in offering a high-end alternative to the main terminal.
“As airports grow, lounges are not just about comfort; they offer amenities that elevate the entire travel experience,” Bamwesigye added.
More improvement projects are in the pipeline at Entebbe as the airport works to maintain its status as Uganda’s gateway to the world.
