President Museveni has endorsed plans to construct an international airport at Nyakisharara in Mbarara District, pledging government support for the ambitious infrastructure project.
The president met with a China-based consortium at State House, Entebbe, where the project was presented by Base 7 Aviation International Academy and its consultants, Hamster Business Solutions. Officials Mugabi Charles and Alexandria Judith Kyakunzire revealed that three firms will spearhead the development: Hunan Construction and Investment Engineering Company will oversee construction, China Southwest Architectural Design and Research Institute will manage feasibility and design, while Blackrock Uwekeza will finance and operate the facility under a Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) model.
Museveni welcomed the proposal, urging the consortium to coordinate with Uganda’s technical team to fast-track approvals.
He said the airport would be crucial in stimulating economic growth, creating jobs, and expanding opportunities in tourism and agriculture.
While commending the project’s potential, the President also underscored the need to preserve the environment during its execution.
Blackrock Uwekeza’s representative, Bethuel Macharia, confirmed the firm’s readiness to finance the entire project, describing it as a catalyst for regional economic growth.
Consultants Eddie Kisitu and Abubakar Kaseruuzi outlined additional benefits, including positioning Uganda as a transit hub between Africa, Latin America, China, Indonesia, and Australia.
The proposed airport is expected to handle regional and international routes, with projections suggesting it could triple Uganda’s economic output. Construction is scheduled for completion by 2030, in line with President Museveni’s Party and Term Oriented Delivery initiative.
