By Mulengera Reporters
With the clock ticking towards AFCON 2027 and a packed calendar of international conferences in 2026, Uganda’s aviation sector is facing a defining test, of whether ambition can be matched with funding and political prioritization.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Director General Fred Bamwesigye has revealed that the authority requires more than ugx 800 billion to meaningfully upgrade airports and aerodromes across the country, even as outstanding government arrears to UCAA have climbed to Ugx166.6 billion by June 2025.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ engagement meeting in Kampala, Bamwesigye said while government has embraced aviation as a strategic enabler for tourism, trade and regional integration, financing constraints remain the single biggest threat to timely delivery of critical infrastructure.
The DG explained that inadequate funding for six (6) upcountry aerodromes continues to slow improvement works, limiting their ability to support growing passenger numbers, cargo movement and emergency operations.
Land shortages at Entebbe International Airport and several regional aerodromes further complicate expansion plans, particularly at a time when traffic growth projections are rising.
The pressure is most visible in projects tied directly to AFCON 2027. UCAA is fast-tracking the upgrade of Gulu Airport to international status, with Egypt’s SAMCO National Construction Company expected to implement the project under an Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Financing (EPC+F) arrangement, subject to final approvals.
The first phase will include a modern runway, apron, taxiways, passenger and cargo terminals, a control tower and a fully equipped rescue and fire-fighting station.
In West Nile, government plans to redevelop Arua Airport into a regional and international-category facility, with the first phase estimated at USD 143 million (Ugx 529 billion). The project is being pursued with support from the African Development Bank under the Tourism Development Project, following completion of feasibility and environmental studies.
UCAA is also positioning aviation to support Uganda’s broader economic agenda, with Kabalega International Airport in Hoima expected to be completed and operationalized to serve the oil and gas sector in Bunyoro region, while construction of Kidepo International Airport, backed by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce, is intended to strengthen tourism in north-eastern Uganda.
At Entebbe International Airport, a revised 20-year master plan will be unveiled in 2026, followed by harmonization of terminal buildings to create a unified and modern gateway. However, Bamwesigye acknowledged that land constraints around Entebbe remain a long-term structural challenge.
The DG also flagged emerging regulatory demands arising from the rapid expansion of drone operations. While drones present new economic opportunities, UCAA is managing safety and security risks through segregated airspace, alongside plans to acquire an Automated Unmanned Aircraft System Traffic Management solution for comprehensive monitoring.
Bamwesigye argued that aviation must be mainstreamed at the highest strategic planning level, noting its direct linkages to tourism, oil and gas, exports, conferences and national security. He said clearing government arrears and securing predictable funding would go a long way in stabilizing UCAA’s finances and unlocking faster infrastructure delivery. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
