By Mulengera Reporters
Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) has announced an aggressive programme to upgrade key aerodromes across the country as Uganda prepares to host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2027 and a series of international conferences in 2026.
The plans were unveiled by UCAA Director General (DG) Fred Bamwesigye on Tuesday, December 16, 2025 during a stakeholders’ engagement breakfast meeting held at Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala, attended by players from the aviation industry, government agencies and the private sector.
Bamwesigye said aviation infrastructure will play a central role in facilitating the movement of teams, officials, tourists and cargo during AFCON 2027 and beyond, making airport upgrades a priority for government.
He revealed that the upgrade of Gulu Airport to international status is being fast-tracked specifically to support AFCON 2027. The project is expected to be implemented by Egypt’s SAMCO National Construction Company under the Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Financing (EPC+F) model, pending final clearance.
The first phase, the DG, said will involve resurfacing the runway, constructing a new apron, parallel link and rapid exit taxiways, a control tower, passenger terminal, cargo terminal and a fully equipped rescue and fire-fighting station.
In West Nile, government, through UCAA, plans to redevelop Arua Airport into a regional and international Category facility. Bamwesigye said the first phase of the project is estimated to cost USD 143 million (about UGX529 billion) and will include a new 3,500-metre-long runway, taxiways, apron, control tower, terminal building, fuel facilities, access roads and parking areas.
UCAA is engaging the African Development Bank for funding under the Tourism Development Project (TDP), with feasibility and environmental and social impact studies already completed.
He also said Kabalega International Airport in Hoima will be completed and operationalized to support oil and gas activities in the Albertine region, while construction of Kidepo International Airport is ongoing to strengthen tourism in the north-eastern part of the country, with support from the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce.
At Entebbe International Airport, the DG announced that a reviewed 20-year master plan will be launched in 2026, to be followed by harmonisation of passenger terminal buildings to create a seamless and modern appearance at Uganda’s main international gateway.
He also addressed the rapid growth of drone operations in Uganda, saying that while drones present significant economic opportunities, they also raise safety and security concerns. UCAA is currently managing drone operations under a framework that allows flights in segregated airspace, while efforts are underway to acquire an Automated Unmanned Aircraft System Traffic Management system to improve monitoring, safety, security and regulatory compliance across the entire airspace.
Bamwesigye added that Uganda plans to host an aviation air show and expo in 2026 in partnership with the Uganda Pilots Association and the Science, Technology and Innovation Secretariat, as part of efforts to showcase the country’s expanding aviation sector. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com). 
