Capt. Mike Mukula, has called on the government to significantly expand Uganda’s airport network, saying increased investment in aviation infrastructure is critical to boosting tourism, trade, regional connectivity and long-term economic growth.
Mukula said Uganda should take a cue from neighbouring Kenya and Tanzania, which have invested heavily in airport infrastructure to support domestic aviation, tourism, cargo transport and business travel.
“Aviation infrastructure is an investment in the future, not a symbol of prestige. Kenya has about 60 paved airports and airstrips, Tanzania about 17 paved airports, while Uganda has only about five paved airports. This disparity explains the stronger domestic aviation and tourism sectors in our neighbours,” Mukula said.
He argued that Uganda should adopt a forward-looking strategy by expanding its airport network before demand outpaces the country’s existing infrastructure.
“Uganda should plan ahead by expanding its airport network to stimulate tourism, trade, cargo, business aviation, emergency services and long-term economic growth,” he added.
As part of the proposed expansion, Mukula urged the government to acquire and upgrade Kajjansi Airfield into a fully-fledged domestic and regional international airport comparable to Kenya’s Wilson Airport and Tanzania’s Arusha Airport.
He proposed extending the airfield’s runway to about 3,000 metres and equipping it with modern air traffic control and navigation systems, weather services, customs and immigration facilities, cargo handling infrastructure and emergency rescue services.
According to Mukula, the upgraded Kajjansi Airport would serve as a gateway for domestic tourism, business aviation, charter flights, pilot training, medical evacuation services and regional connectivity while easing congestion at Entebbe International Airport.
“Uganda Government should acquire and upgrade Kajjansi Airfield into a fully-fledged domestic and regional international airport, similar to Wilson Airport in Kenya and Arusha Airport in Tanzania. Expanding the runway to about 3,000 metres and installing modern air traffic control, navigation systems, weather services, customs, immigration, cargo and rescue facilities would unlock enormous economic potential,” he said.
Mukula said such an investment would create thousands of jobs, attract private investment, increase government revenue and strengthen Uganda’s national security by providing an alternative international airport.
Drawing comparisons with regional neighbours, Mukula said Kenya’s aviation success was built through strategic long-term planning rather than waiting for existing infrastructure to become overstretched.
“Kenya’s aviation success and tourism were built through strategic long-term planning, not by waiting for demand to overwhelm existing infrastructure,” he said.
He added that Tanzania’s extensive network of paved airports and aerodromes has similarly strengthened tourism, trade, security and regional connectivity, demonstrating the importance of investing ahead of demand.
Mukula maintained that expanding Uganda’s aviation infrastructure would position the country as a leading aviation and tourism hub in East Africa while enhancing national competitiveness and economic resilience.
