By Mulengera Reporters
[When the wise work together, the skies become limitless]. The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has unveiled a transformative vision for Uganda’s aviation industry, combining remarkable achievements, ambitious plans, and bold sustainability initiatives. These revelations were detailed in a comprehensive report presented by the CAA Executive Director, Mr. Fred Bamwesigye, during a high-profile Stakeholders’ Breakfast Meeting held on January 21, 2025, in Kampala.
Among the distinguished attendees was Honorable Katumba Wamala, the Minister for Works and Transport, alongside CAA Board Members, industry leaders, and other key stakeholders.
The event was a celebration of Uganda’s soaring success in aviation and a platform to chart the way forward for 2025. Mr. Bamwesigye’s report painted a vivid picture of an industry on the rise, driven by innovation, resilience, and collaboration.
The year 2024 was a milestone year for Uganda’s aviation sector, with Entebbe International Airport recording 2,243,104 international passengers, a 17.18% increase compared to the previous year.
Exports reached 44,865 metric tons, marking a 9.66% rise, while imports grew by an impressive 22.42%. These figures highlight the recovery and growth of Uganda’s aviation industry post-COVID-19, fueled by strategic investments in infrastructure and a focus on expanding connectivity.
Uganda Airlines’ addition of new routes to Abuja, Harare, and Lusaka further boosted air traffic, while the stable economic environment and growing international trade supported the surge in cargo operations.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Katumba Wamala praised the CAA for its exemplary leadership and commitment to excellence. “These numbers tell a story of determination and vision. Uganda’s aviation sector is not only recovering but thriving. The CAA has shown that with the right strategies, we can achieve greatness,” he said. The minister’s remarks underscored the significance of these achievements, not just for the aviation industry but for Uganda’s economy and its global standing.
Looking ahead, the CAA laid out ambitious plans for 2025, including the completion of a new 20,000-square-meter Passenger Terminal Building at Entebbe International Airport.
Currently 95% complete, the facility is set to open in June 2025, increasing the airport’s capacity from 2 million to 3.5 million passengers annually. The project also includes the installation of three additional aerobridges, modernized cargo handling systems, and enhanced passenger services. Regional airports, such as Gulu and Arua, are also slated for upgrades, with Gulu set to be transformed into a code 4E international airport featuring a reconstructed runway and a state-of-the-art passenger terminal.
Despite these milestones, the report acknowledged challenges facing the aviation sector. Limited funding for upcountry aerodromes, inadequate land for expansion at Entebbe International Airport, and growing government debt remain significant hurdles. However, Mr. Bamwesigye reassured stakeholders of the CAA’s resilience, stating, [Challenges are opportunities in disguise. With the support of our partners, we will overcome these obstacles and continue to soar higher]. Efforts are underway to engage government agencies and international partners to address these challenges, ensuring that progress remains uninterrupted.
The report also highlighted the CAA’s commitment to sustainability. From implementing ICAO’s Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) to introducing electric vehicles at Entebbe International Airport, the authority is setting an example in environmental stewardship.
Other initiatives include air quality monitoring, green infrastructure, and the promotion of sustainable aviation fuels. Hon. Katumba Wamala commended these efforts, emphasizing the importance of balancing growth with environmental responsibility.
The Stakeholders’ Breakfast Meeting was more than a reflection on past achievements, but a bold declaration of the future.
With ambitious plans, strong leadership, and unwavering dedication, the CAA is paving the way for a thriving aviation industry that benefits the entire nation.
As Uganda’s skies grow busier and its airports more modernized, one thing is certain, that the Uganda CAA is not just flying high, it’s soaring toward a future of boundless possibilities. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
