The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) has announced plans to accelerate the upgrade of several regional airports as part of a broader strategy to expand aviation infrastructure, improve national and regional connectivity, and prepare the country for major international events, including the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027.
The announcement was made on Tuesday during an aviation stakeholders’ engagement meeting held at the Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala. The meeting brought together key players in the aviation sector to review the current state of the industry, assess emerging opportunities and challenges, and chart a strategic path forward.
UCAA Director General Fred Bamwesigye said sustained growth in passenger and cargo traffic has made it necessary to fast-track investments in upcountry airports.
“From January to November 2025, international passenger traffic reached 2,247,145, already surpassing the total recorded in the whole of 2024,” Bamwesigye said.
“Cargo traffic has also matched last year’s figures, reflecting a stable economic environment and increased international trade.”
He attributed the growth to the launch of new Uganda Airlines routes to London Gatwick, Harare and Kinshasa, the entry of additional international carriers into Ugandan airspace, sustained tourism promotion, and the resumption of international conferences and major sporting events.
According to Bamwesigye, UCAA is prioritising the upgrade of Kasese and Gulu airports to international standards to support tourism, cross-border trade and regional development.
“Kasese is being upgraded to a Code 4E international airport, with a paved runway, taxiways, aprons and associated facilities,” he said, adding that the master plan and detailed engineering designs have been completed and additional land secured.
On Gulu Airport, Bamwesigye said works are being fast-tracked to ensure readiness for AFCON 2027.
“The upgrade of Gulu to international status is a priority to facilitate AFCON 2027 matches,” he said.
“The first phase will include runway resurfacing, construction of a new apron and taxiways, a control tower, terminal building, cargo terminal, and a fully equipped rescue and firefighting station.”
Beyond Kasese and Gulu, UCAA is engaging the African Development Bank (AfDB) to upgrade Arua Airport into an international facility under the Tourism Development Project, while plans are underway to operationalise Kabalega International Airport in Hoima to support the oil and gas sector.
Bamwesigye added that improvements at other regional airfields are already ongoing. These include the installation of airfield ground lighting at Soroti, deployment of security screening equipment at Arua, and major runway rehabilitation works at Pakuba and Moroto aerodromes.
In a message delivered by UCAA Board Chairperson Steven Kavuma, State Minister for Works and Transport Fred Byamukama commended the Authority for its progress and reaffirmed government support for the aviation sector.
“The Ministry places great importance on the aviation sub-sector, recognising its critical role in providing direct international access and promoting tourism, trade and socio-economic development,” Byamukama said.
He also highlighted ongoing government-backed projects, including the construction of Kidepo International Airport under a public-private partnership with the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce, and the imminent handover of Kabalega International Airport to UCAA for operationalisation.
“As the Authority prepares to open the newly completed Passenger Terminal Building at Entebbe International Airport, I urge all service providers to ensure that the quality of services offered to passengers matches the upgraded infrastructure,” Byamukama added.
UCAA said the expansion and modernisation of regional airports will not only support upcoming international events but also strengthen Uganda’s position as a regional aviation hub, despite challenges such as funding constraints, land acquisition issues and outstanding government obligations.
