Mr Fred Bamwesigye, Director General, Uganda Civil Aviation Authority, has confirmed that Uganda’s aviation sector is fully prepared to handle the anticipated surge in international traffic ahead of next week’s presidential swearing-in ceremony.
Speaking to the media on Friday morning, Bamwesigye said Uganda is expecting a high-profile influx of dignitaries, with Entebbe International Airport taking centre stage as the country’s main gateway.
He noted that the airport, Entebbe International Airport, is “fully prepared” and operating under a comprehensive facilitation plan developed in close coordination with government security, protocol, and aviation stakeholders.
Preparedness for Presidential Swearing-In
Bamwesigye explained that UCAA is a member of the National Organising Committee and chairs the Airport Subcommittee, which has overseen preparations built on three pillars: seamless passenger handling, infrastructure readiness, and stakeholder coordination.
He said two operational dry runs were conducted on April 24 and May 4, 2026, to test arrival and departure procedures for different categories of VIPs and delegations.
On infrastructure, he confirmed that parking capacity has been expanded to accommodate additional aircraft, while key areas—especially the VVIP terminal—have been renovated, furnished, and branded for Heads of State and high-level guests.
He further emphasized coordinated readiness among airlines, ground handlers, fuel suppliers, security agencies, customs, and immigration services, noting that aviation fuel stock levels have been reinforced to prevent any operational disruptions.
Impact of Middle East Airspace Disruptions
Turning to global aviation trends, Bamwesigye highlighted the significant impact of temporary airspace closures in parts of the Middle East beginning February 28, 2026.
He said the disruption affected major carriers including Emirates, Qatar Airways, FlyDubai, Air Arabia, and Uganda Airlines, many of which temporarily suspended or adjusted their Entebbe routes.
He reported a decline in passenger traffic in the January–March 2026 quarter compared to 2025, with international arrivals falling by 7.9% and departures by 8.5%.
Cargo performance also dropped significantly, with exports declining by 28.9% and imports by 9%, reflecting broader disruptions in global logistics chains.
Despite this, Bamwesigye noted positive indicators such as a 25.2% rise in transit passengers, a 7.7% increase in aircraft movements, and a 2.6% growth in overflights—signs he said reflect continued confidence in Uganda’s airspace.
Mixed Performance in March and April
He described March 2026 as the most heavily impacted month, particularly for cargo, where exports dropped by 45.2% and imports by 30.3%.
However, April 2026 showed partial recovery in passenger traffic, recording 189,130 international passengers, slightly higher than the same period in 2025. Cargo, however, remained under pressure with a noticeable deficit compared to the previous year.
Hijja Pilgrimage Operations Begin
Bamwesigye also announced the commencement of Uganda’s Hijja pilgrimage operations, which began on May 8 and will run until May 20, 2026.
He said increased passenger volumes are expected at Entebbe International Airport during this period, with pilgrims departing on multiple carriers including Emirates, Qatar Airways, Air Arabia, Ethiopian Airlines, FlyDubai, and FlyNAS.
He added that charter flights carrying hundreds of pilgrims are scheduled later in the month, with return operations expected between May 31 and June 10, 2026.
Airport management has advised passengers to arrive early, plan ahead, and cooperate with traffic management measures, including possible redirection of vehicles to maintain order at the terminal.
During this period, airport staff will also utilize additional parking near the control tower to ease congestion.
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