Uganda is making significant strides in the Entebbe International Airport Upgrade and Expansion Project, a key national infrastructure initiative valued at approximately $325 million (UGX 1.235 trillion), aimed at transforming the country’s primary international gateway into a modern regional aviation hub.
Speaking on the progress, Eng. Ayub Sooma, Director of Airports and Aviation Security at the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), confirmed that the first phase of the project, costing $200 million (UGX 760 billion), has been successfully completed and loan repayments are on schedule.
“This is a very concessional loan with minimal interest,” Eng. Sooma said, underlining the government’s commitment to responsible borrowing and long-term infrastructure development.
The airport expansion project was approved in 2015, with construction kicking off soon after.
Initially, it was projected to be completed by 2021, but the timeline was affected by several unforeseen circumstances.
“There was a delay in the completion, largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted supply chains and limited the movement of workers and materials.
We also had to adjust designs to accommodate evolving aviation trends and safety standards,” Eng. Sooma explained.
Now in its second and final phase, estimated at $125 million (UGX 475 billion), the project is focused on upgrading passenger terminals, expanding boarding and arrival areas, and improving baggage handling systems to accommodate growing passenger traffic.
This will raise the airport’s annual capacity significantly, boosting Uganda’s ability to serve international travelers, business visitors, and tourists.
Beyond physical infrastructure, Eng. Sooma noted the broader strategic objectives of the expansion.
“We are looking at so many things including, but not limited to, handling increased numbers of pilgrims, establishing a new airport entrance from Entebbe Town for better traffic flow, and constructing new headquarters for National Courier, Uganda Airlines,” he said.
Once complete, the upgraded Entebbe International Airport will enhance service delivery, improve operational efficiency, and align with Uganda’s Vision 2040, which prioritizes world-class infrastructure to support economic growth.
With the government’s commitment, concessional financing, and improved project execution, Uganda is on track to deliver one of the most modern airports in the region—despite earlier setbacks.