By BM
Entebbe International Airport has shattered all previous records, registering the highest number of monthly passengers in its history.
The airport, Uganda’s principal aviation hub, handled a staggering 230,577 passengers in July 2025, smashing the previous record set in December 2024 and signaling a tourism and transport boom in East Africa’s Pearl.
According to the Vianney Luggya, Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) Spokesperson, the historic traffic volume included 119,127 arriving and 111,450 departing passengers averaging 7,437 travelers per day.
July’s numbers overtook the previous high of 222,301 passengers recorded in December 2024.
“This is a landmark achievement. We’ve never seen numbers like this in the history of Entebbe International Airport,” Luggya said. “This is a testament to Uganda’s growing role as a regional tourism, business, and events destination.”
CHAN 2024 and Global Events Drive Sky-High Numbers
One of the biggest drivers of this unprecedented passenger traffic was the arrival of international delegations and fans for the CHAN 2024 football tournament, currently underway in Uganda.
The event has drawn sports enthusiasts, media, and officials from across Africa and beyond.
Additionally, the month saw a spike in international conferences, increased tourism promotion, and expanded airline connectivity. More direct routes and flight frequencies have made Uganda easier to access for international visitors and it’s showing in the numbers.
Tour operators and hospitality businesses are already reporting a ripple effect from the passenger surge, with many hotels around Kampala and Entebbe reporting full occupancy rates throughout the month.
Cargo Traffic Also Sees Major Uptick
Beyond passenger traffic, Entebbe also recorded robust cargo activity.
The airport handled 5,863 metric tonnes of cargo in July, comprising 3,961 tonnes of exports and 1,902 tonnes of imports.
This increase reflects growing regional trade and the airport’s enhanced cargo handling capabilities.
Ugandan exports including fresh produce, flowers, and fish have seen rising demand across global markets, contributing to this export cargo boost.
CHAN Ticket Fraud Sparks Warning from Organizers
As the CHAN 2024 quarterfinal between Uganda and defending champions Senegal approaches, the tournament’s Local Organizing Committee (LOC) is battling a different kind of traffic ticket fraud.
Speaking at a press conference at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala, Dr. Dennis Mugimba, Chairperson of the CHAN LOC, warned fans about the circulation of duplicate and counterfeit tickets being sold online.
“We have seen incidents of fake tickets being sold, but we are tightening control. Fans must only buy from authorized sources,” Mugimba emphasized. “We’ve already significantly reduced the number of duplicate incidents, but vigilance is key.”
To curb the problem, the LOC has limited ticket purchases to three per person and beefed up security at stadium gates. Mugimba also warned that intoxicated or aggressive fans will be denied entry, even if their tickets are valid.
“Security is non-negotiable,” he said. “We ask fans to arrive early, behave responsibly, and most importantly, avoid buying tickets from shady or unofficial sources.”
Uganda’s Quarterfinal Showdown Draws Thousands
Saturday’s upcoming quarterfinal between Uganda and Senegal is expected to be a sell-out, with thousands of fans already queuing for tickets across the country.
The Ugandan team’s advancement to the quarterfinals has sparked national pride and reignited local support for domestic football.
As CHAN fever grips the nation and Entebbe Airport continues to buzz with activity, Uganda is experiencing a rare moment where aviation, tourism, and sport converge in an exhilarating celebration of growth and unity.
