Uganda’s Aviation Sector Soars as UCAA Unveils Massive Infrastructure Upgrades and Strategic Global Victories
The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), during a high-level stakeholder engagement held today at the Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala, declared a landmark year of growth and unveiled aggressive plans to transform the nation into a regional aviation powerhouse.
Led by the UCAA Director General, Mr. Fred K. Bamwesigye, the engagement highlighted unprecedented traffic growth and pivotal infrastructure development, positioning Uganda’s air transport sector for the next decade of expansion.
The engagement was attended by, among others, Mr. Kabbs Twijukye, Uganda’s representative to the International Civil Aviation Authority (ICAO), Justice Steven Kavuma, the Board Chairman of UCAA and his team, several representatives from the Ministry of Works and Transport, plus various air operators and other stakeholders.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Bamwesigye, who took the audience through the core mandate of the UCAA, revealed that the Authority reported a significant boom in air traffic, driven by new routes and a stable economic environment.
“The UCAA registered international passenger traffic of 2,247,145 from January to November 2025, which has already surpassed the entire 2024 total of 2,243,104, even before accounting for the busy December period,” Mr. Bamwesigye said.
“Cargo traffic for the same period reached equality with the entire 2024 figure, driven by sustained international trade, although this will increase the capacity to 100,000 metric tonnes with the opening of the new cargo terminal,” he added.
He also revealed that the Ugandan airspace this year welcomed several new operators and routes, significantly enhancing global connectivity.
“Uganda Airlines launched its first European foray with direct flights to London Gatwick in May 2025,” Mr. Bamwesigye said, noting that this is a significant milestone not only for UCAA but Uganda as a whole in terms of boosting tourism and economic development.
He revealed that to expand its operations in the aviation sector, UCAA had registered new operators who include: Flynas (Riyadh/Entebbe), Malawi Airlines (Lilongwe/Entebbe), Fanjet Express, and Safarilink (both on the Nairobi/Entebbe route.
The State Minister for Works and Transport, Hon. Fred Byamukama, in a speech read for him by Justice Kavuma, commended the Authority for these achievements, recognising the critical role of aviation in boosting tourism, trade, and socio-economic development.
He also hailed the UCAA for working tirelessly towards the election of Uganda to the International Civil Aviation Authority Organisation (ICAO).
“Uganda’s election to the ICAO Council for the 2025 – 2028 term reflects the trust and high expectations that the international community has placed in Uganda at a transformative time for global air transport. As a Council member, the State will engage with ICAO’s 193 Member States to advance ICAO’s shared vision of air transport for all by 2050; one with zero fatalities and net-zero carbon emissions, and to drive the cooperation, innovation, and talent needed to realise that vision,” Minister Byamukama said.
The Minister also hailed the leadership at UCAA for ensuring that Uganda secured the opportunity to host the 48th East African Consultative Meeting on Facilitation of Air Transport, saying, “Uganda’s hosting of the 48th East African Consultative Meeting on Facilitation of Air Transport (EAC-FAL) in November 2025, further elevated the country’s profile as a key player in the development of air transport and underscored Uganda’s strong commitment to regional aviation cooperation, improved passenger facilitation, and enhanced air transport efficiency.”
Entebbe International Airport
Mr. Bamwesigye reiterated that the focus of the UCAA’s current expansion drive is the completion and enhancement of Entebbe International Airport (EIA).
He revealed that the newly completed 20,000-square-meter Passenger Terminal Building is set to be opened in a phased manner starting January 2026.
This expansion, he noted, will boost EIA’s annual capacity from the current 2 million to at least 3.5 million passengers annually.
He revealed that the new terminal building features three additional aerobridges (totalling five), 24 new check-in counters (adding to the existing 22), and 14 self-check-in counters.
Luxurious Amenities
As part of face-lifting the Airport, Mr. Bamwesigye declared that the UCAA had revamped the Karibuni Lounge, which now offers enhanced amenities, including prayer rooms, massage chairs, and a children’s playroom, significantly improving the passenger experience.
Infrastructure Development for National Ambition
He, however, observed that beyond the EIA expansions, the UCAA is driving a national infrastructure overhaul to support the upcoming AFCON 2027 games, plus the oil and gas sector.
He observed that the upgrade of Gulu aerodrome to an international airport is being fast-tracked by the Egyptian firm SAMCO (National Construction Company), including runway resurfacing, a new terminal, and a control tower.
Oil and Gas Hub
Mr. Bamwesigye stated that Kabalega International Airport in Hoima is nearing completion and scheduled for operationalisation in 2026 to support the oil and gas sector.
Tourism Development
He noted that the construction of Kidepo International Airport is ongoing in partnership with the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce to boost tourism in the Karamoja region.
He also asserted that plans are underway to develop Arua aerodrome into a regional and international airport (Code 4E) at an estimated cost of US$143 million, about Shs529 billion, with funding sought from the African Development Bank (AfDB).
According to Mr. Bamwesigye, Kasese is also slated for a Code 4E upgrade to promote cross-border trade and tourism.
Global Recognition and Regulatory Reform
Uganda’s commitment to global aviation standards was strongly acknowledged this year through the election of the country to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Council.
Addressing the audience during the engagement, Mr. Twijukye said, “Uganda was elected to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Council for the 2025–2028 term, securing 155 votes. This is a strong endorsement of Uganda’s growing influence in shaping global aviation policy.”
He also commended Uganda’s performance in safety and security, noting that aviation is a critical enabler of economic development, tourism, and job creation, supporting an estimated 15 of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Regulatory Separation
In a bid to enhance the Authority’s effectiveness in the aviation industry, Mr. Bamwesigye revealed that the UCAA has since commenced the crucial process of separating the regulator and Air Navigation Service Provider from the management of airports.
This reform, he noted, guided by ICAO consultants, will eliminate conflicts of interest and enhance efficiency by prioritising customer experience and strengthening regulatory oversight.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Leadership
Mr. Bamwesigye disclosed that a feasibility study, presented in partnership with ICAO and the UK Government, confirmed Uganda’s significant potential to produce Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) from its rich biomass resources.
“Uganda is moving into the next phase of developing a national business case to become a regional SAF pioneer, reinforcing its commitment to ICAO’s CORSIA scheme and global aviation decarbonisation,” he noted in his concluding remarks.
Adopted from: The Publicist December 16, 2025