The Uganda government has embarked on an ambitious programme to upgrade and expand six priority airports across the country to unlock the tourism potential of the respective regions, facilitate cross-border trade, and stimulate socio-economic development, the acting director General of the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority , (UCAA), Mrs. Olive Birungi Lumonya, has said .
The six priority airports are Kidepo, Arua, Gulu, Kasese, Kisoro, and Pakuba.
Lumonya said that on 5th June 2026, President Yoweri Museveni officially commissioned the construction of Kidepo International Airport in Karenga District. This landmark project, valued at over USD 72 million and funded by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the United Arab Emirates, represents a significant milestone in Uganda’s aviation development agenda, she said .
Upon completion, Kidepo International Airport will feature a 3.6-kilometre runway, a modern passenger terminal building covering 7,408 square metres, a cargo terminal of 74,200 square metres, and other supporting infrastructure.
Lumonya explained that the Kidepo airport is being developed as a Code 4E international airport, with provision for future expansion to Code 4F standards, to accommodate a wide range of modern aircraft operations. “The project is expected to greatly enhance tourism, trade, investment, and socio-economic development within the Karamoja sub-region and the country at large.”
Lumonya was speaking at the opening of the 53rd UCAA board air services licensing committee meeting held at protea hotel in Kmpala. At this public hearing , the UCAA Board of Directors led by Justice Dr. Steven B.K. Kavuma, Stakeholders and industry players plus members of the general public heard presentations from fifteen (15) applications for Air Service Licences, comprising five (5) of which were for renewals and ten (10) new applications.
The licensing committee meeting is an important statutory process through which the Authority engages stakeholders and discharges its mandate under Section 6(2)(a) of the Civil Aviation Authority Act, Cap. 348. The Act empowers the Authority to regulate and license air transport services in Uganda, as well as advise Government on matters relating to civil aviation, including Bilateral Air Services Agreements.
In accordance with the Civil Aviation (Licensing of Air Services) Regulations, 2001, all applications were duly published to facilitate public participation and ensure transparency in the licensing process
Lumonya said that for the Arua, Gulu, and Kasese Airports, project preparation has been completed, and the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development is currently mobilizing the requisite financing to commence implementation. The development of Kisoro and Pakuba Airports remains at the project preparation stage.
She said that phase one of the development of Kabalega International Airport was at 98 percent complete and is expected to be finalized by 31st July 2026.
“ In preparation for Uganda’s hosting of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027, government has decided to accelerate part of the Phase II works, particularly the construction of the passenger terminal building. The contractor is expected to assume site on 1st July 2026, with completion scheduled for March 2027 to ensure readiness for the tournament,” she added.
Furthermore, I am pleased to report that the upgrade and expansion of Jinja Airport, including the runway, taxiway, and apron, have been successfully completed. At Pakuba Airport, modernization of the terminal building has reached 97 percent completion and is progressing satisfactorily.
For the rest of the aerodrome network, the acting DG, said that government continues to undertake routine and mechanized maintenance works to ensure compliance with national aerodrome regulatory requirements and to maintain the highest levels of safety, security, and operational efficiency.
She further stated that the Authority remains committed to strengthening the regulatory framework governing the aviation industry.
“ In this regard, we have completed a comprehensive review of the Civil Aviation (Licensing of Air Services) Regulations, the Civil Aviation (Competition) Regulations, and the Civil Aviation (Consumer Protection) Regulations,” added.
According to Lumonya , the revised Civil Aviation Regulations are designed to strengthen Uganda’s aviation sector by ensuring that competent and financially sound operators participate in the market, promoting safety, reliability, and sustainability.
The new legal framework also seeks to foster fair competition by creating a level playing field that encourages innovation, efficiency, and investment, while enhancing consumer protection through stronger safeguards for passenger rights, including provisions relating to flight delays, cancellations, baggage handling, refunds, and fare transparency.
Lumonya said that UCAA has now established fuelling facilities at key aerodromes with significant traffic, including Gulu and Arua, and remains committed to progressively expanding this infrastructure to other aerodromes as traffic demand grows.
UCAA Board Chairman Justice Dr. Kavuma,noted thatthe continued interest by operators in obtaining Air Service Licences is a strong indicator of confidence in Uganda’s aviation sector and its future prospects.
Kavuma said that currently Uganda’s aviation industry is served by twenty-five (25) licensed air operators providing a broad range of services including scheduled and non-scheduled passenger transport, cargo operations, flight training, aerial work, and private aviation services.
“Beyond our domestic market, Uganda continues to strengthen its international aviation footprint. Uganda has concluded Air Services Agreements with sixty-four (64) Countries, creating a framework that facilitates international connectivity, trade, tourism, and investment,” he stated .
As a result of these agreements, twenty (20) international airlines currently operate scheduled services to and from Entebbe International Airport, linking Uganda to major destinations across Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and Asia.
“These connections play a vital role in supporting economic growth and positioning Uganda as a gateway within the region,” Kavuma added .
