Uganda’s aviation industry has been reshaped by a wave of infrastructure upgrades under the current administration of the Civil Aviation Authority. The most visible changes are at Entebbe International Airport, where modernization projects have transformed passenger experiences and expanded capacity.
Director General Fred K. Bamwesigye told stakeholders, “The Authority successfully completed the Modified Terminal Building, which was opened to the public on January 10, 2024, and continues to provide arriving and departing passengers with a more spacious and comfortable environment.” His words reflected the tangible improvements passengers now enjoy.
The modified terminal has already facilitated thousands of delegates attending major international summits, including NAM, G77+China, and the African Union CAADP Summit. These events tested the airport’s ability to handle large volumes of passengers, and the results demonstrated that Uganda’s aviation infrastructure is now capable of supporting global gatherings.
Construction of the new 20,000‑square‑meter passenger terminal building is progressing steadily. With overall project completion at 95 percent and the terminal itself at 82 percent, the facility is expected to be operational by June 2025. Bamwesigye emphasized, “On completion of all the infrastructural upgrade projects, the terminal building capacity will be enhanced from the current maximum capacity of 2 million passengers a year to at least 3.5 million passengers annually.”
The upgrades extend beyond Entebbe. Kisoro aerodrome has seen resurfacing of its runway, taxiway, and apron, with plans to construct a new terminal building and possibly extend the runway from 1,200 to 1,800 meters. Regional airports such as Arua, Mbarara, and Pakuba have recorded significant traffic growth, with Mbarara’s passenger numbers rising by 118 percent in 2024.
Stakeholders have praised these developments. A representative from the tourism sector noted, “Improved facilities at Kisoro and Pakuba directly support tourism. Visitors to Bwindi and Murchison Falls now have better access, and this strengthens Uganda’s position as a destination.”
Safety has also been prioritized. Two new fire trucks were commissioned at Entebbe, and the inaugural Safety Week in 2024 introduced a hazard identification tool. Emirates partnered in safety activities, including a foreign object debris walk and community engagement at Nakiwogo market. These initiatives reinforced the administration’s commitment to embedding safety culture across the industry.
Environmental sustainability has been integrated into infrastructure planning. Measures such as green procurement, permeable pavements, and ICAO’s CORSIA carbon offsetting scheme have been adopted. These steps ensure that Uganda’s aviation growth is environmentally responsible.
The infrastructure upgrades have already yielded results. International passenger numbers rose to 2,243,104 in 2024, while cargo exports reached 44,865 tons. Commercial aircraft movements increased to 32,552, and overflights rose to 25,137. These figures demonstrate that Uganda’s aviation industry is not only modernizing but also expanding.
Uganda’s aviation landscape has been transformed by infrastructure upgrades that combine capacity expansion, safety improvements, and environmental sustainability. The current administration has delivered tangible results, positioning Uganda as a credible hub in regional and international aviation.
