Members of Rotary Uptown Kampala were hosted by Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) on January 30, 2026. The visit was in line with Rotary’s vocational service with the intention to provide the members with an opportunity to get practical exposure and understanding of the aviation industry in Uganda.
In his welcome remarks, the UCAA Manager Operations, Mr. Christopher Omondi, told the guests that “stakeholder engagements of this nature are healthy and important in enhancing efficiency and effectiveness of service provision.” He added that this was an opportunity to interact with the Rotarians, many of whom are frequent flyers and also get their valuable feedback for continuous improvement.
“Aviation is a vital sector that connects people, facilitates trade, and drives economic growth, which aligns with the Rotary’s mission to serve and uplift communities,” he noted.
The team was provided with an insight of the Aviation industry in Uganda and operations at Entebbe International Airport. The visit was concluded with a guided tour of the new passenger terminal building, which is yet to be opened to the public.
The President of Rotary Uptown Kampala, Ms. Immy Nakyeyune thanked UCAA for hosting the team and providing them with deeper knowledge of the aviation industry. She also appreciated the current developments at Entebbe International Airport including the new passenger terminal building, which is expected to enhance the passenger experience.
The new-look refurbished Entebbe airport
Uganda’s aviation sector eyes tripling passenger capacity, 300+ million liters of sustainable fuel potential, and 64 global air service pacts to propel economic ascent by 2030
Kampala, Uganda’s aviation industry is charting an ambitious growth path, underpinned by major infrastructure upgrades, strategic international partnerships, and a strong commitment to sustainable and safe air transport.
The outlook wa shared during the annual Stakeholders’ Engagement Breakfast hosted by the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) at Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala on Dec.16.
In a keynote address delivered by former Deputy Chief Justice Steven Kavuma, representing the Minister of State for Transport, Fred Byamukama, the government reaffirmed its support for the sector, highlighting its critical role in driving tourism, trade, and socio-economic development.
Uganda’s aviation sector is experiencing strong recovery and expansion. International passenger traffic at Entebbe International Airport from January to November 2025 reached 2.247 million, already surpassing the full-year 2024 total of 2.243 million. Cargo volumes for the same period matched the entirety of 2024.
“The January to November 2025 traffic has already surpassed the entire 2024 traffic even before adding the busy December,” noted UCAA Director General Fred K. Bamwesigye in his presentation. He attributed the growth to new routes launched by Uganda Airlines to London Gatwick, Harare, and Kinshasa, alongside new entrants such as Flynas, Fanjet Express, Malawi Airlines, and Safarilink.
Widened connectivity
Uganda has also expanded its global connectivity through Bilateral Air Service Agreements (BASAs), now holding agreements with 64 countries. Recent signings include Qatar, the Central African Republic, Latvia, and Ethiopia.
A major highlight is the soon-to-be-opened 20,000-square-meter Passenger Terminal Building at Entebbe International Airport, featuring five aerobridges, 24 new check-in counters, and 14 self-check-in kiosks. The facility will increase annual passenger capacity from 2 million to 3.5 million when opened in phases from January 2026.
Beyond Entebbe, the government is fast-tracking airport upgrades across the country to support tourism and regional connectivity. Key projects include the development of Kabalega International Airport in Hoima, Kidepo International Airport in Karamoja, and the elevation of Arua, Kasese, and Gulu airports to international status. Gulu’s upgrade is being accelerated to facilitate Uganda’s hosting of the Africa Cup of Nations in 2027.
In line with global aviation’s push toward decarbonization, Uganda is positioning itself as a regional leader in sustainable aviation. The country voluntarily joined ICAO’s Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) in 2019 and recently completed a feasibility study on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production.
“The study confirms that Uganda has significant potential to produce SAF using its rich biomass resources,” Bamwesigye stated. The program now moves to developing a national business case, with estimated production potential of 300–850 million liters annually.
Uganda’s election to the ICAO Council for the 2025–2028 term with 155 votes reflects its growing influence in global aviation governance. “Uganda is honoured to take up this responsibility and to contribute to advancing safe, secure, and sustainable air transport globally,” Bamwesigye said.
The sector is also advancing institutional reforms, with a roadmap now in place to separate regulatory functions from airport and air navigation service provision—a move aimed at enhancing efficiency, eliminating conflicts of interest, and aligning with international best practices.
