Olive Birungi Lumonya, Acting Director General, Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) making her remarks during the the 53rd UCAA Board Air Services Licensing Committee Meeting held at Protea Hotel, Kampala
Uganda has embarked on an ambitious programme to upgrade and expand six priority airports across the country as Government continues to make strategic investments in aviation infrastructure.
The six airports include Kidepo, Arua, Gulu, Kasese, Kisoro, and Pakuba.
Mrs. Olive Birungi Lumonya, Acting Director General, Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) made the revelation on 12 June 2026 during the 53rd UCAA Board Air Services Licensing Committee Meeting held at Protea Hotel, Kampala.
“These strategic investments are intended to unlock the tourism potential of the respective regions, facilitate cross-border trade, and stimulate socio-economic development,” Mrs. Lumonya said.
It should be noted that there’s ongoing expansion and modernization of Entebbe International Airport, as part of Government’s commitment to developing a safe, efficient, and sustainable air transport system that supports national development objectives through improved connectivity, enhanced passenger facilitation and service delivery, increased airport capacity, promotion of trade and tourism, and strengthening Uganda’s position as a regional aviation hub.
Further, on 5th June 2026, President Yoweri Museveni officially commissioned the construction of Kidepo International Airport in Karenga District. This landmark project, valued at over USD 72 million and funded by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the United Arab Emirates, represents a significant milestone in Uganda’s aviation development agenda.
Upon completion, Kidepo International Airport will feature a 3.6-kilometre runway, a modern passenger terminal building covering 7,408 square metres, a cargo terminal of 74,200 square metres, and other supporting infrastructure.
Regarding the development of Arua, Gulu, and Kasese Airports, Mrs. Lumonya said that “project preparation has been completed, and the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development is currently mobilizing the requisite financing to commence implementation. The development of Kisoro and Pakuba Airports remains at the project preparation stage.”
She added Kabalega International Airport project is now 98 percent complete and is expected to be finalized by 31st July 2026.
“In preparation for Uganda’s hosting of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027, Government has decided to accelerate part of the Phase II works, particularly the construction of the passenger terminal building. The contractor is expected to assume site on 1st July 2026, with completion scheduled for March 2027 to ensure readiness for the tournament,” she said, adding that the upgrade and expansion of Jinja Airport, including the runway, taxiway, and apron, have been successfully completed. At Pakuba Airport, modernization of the terminal building has reached 97 percent completion and is progressing satisfactorily.
15 companies seek Air Service Licences
Mrs. Lumonya said the 53rd Meeting of the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority Board Air Services Licensing Committee is an important statutory process through which the Authority engages stakeholders and discharges its mandate under Section 6(2)(a) of the Civil Aviation Authority Act, Cap. 348. The Act empowers the Authority to regulate and license air transport services in Uganda, as well as advise Government on matters relating to civil aviation, including Bilateral Air Services Agreements.
“Today’s session will consider fifteen (15) applications for Air Service Licences, comprising five (5) renewals and ten (10) new applications,” she said, adding: “In accordance with the Civil Aviation (Licensing of Air Services) Regulations, 2001, all applications were duly published to facilitate public participation and ensure transparency in the licensing process. I thank all stakeholders who have honoured our invitation and participated in this important exercise.”
Speaking at the same event, Justice Steven B.K. Kavuma, the UCAA Board Chairman, said the continued interest by operators in obtaining Air Service Licences is a strong indicator of confidence in Uganda’s aviation sector and its future prospects.
“Currently, Uganda’s aviation industry is served by twenty-five (25) licensed air operators providing a broad range of services including scheduled and non-scheduled passenger transport, cargo operations, flight training, aerial work, and private aviation services,” Justice Kavuma said, adding: “Beyond our domestic market, Uganda continues to strengthen its international aviation footprint. To date, Uganda has concluded Air Services Agreements with sixty-four (64) Countries, creating a framework that facilitates international connectivity, trade, tourism, and investment.”
As a result of these agreements, he said, twenty (20) international airlines currently operate scheduled services to and from Entebbe International Airport, linking Uganda to major destinations across Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. These connections play a vital role in supporting economic growth and positioning Uganda as a gateway within the region.
He added that they are also encouraged by the continued growth of Uganda Airlines, which remains a strategic national asset in advancing Uganda’s connectivity objectives. The airline currently serves fifteen (15) international destinations and has been designated under various bilateral air services arrangements to operate to twenty-three (23) destinations.
Steady growth for Uganda’s aviation sector
Mrs. Lumonya said Uganda’s aviation sector continues to demonstrate resilience and steady growth.
In April 2026, Entebbe International Airport handled a total of 189,130 international passengers, comprising 94,320 arrivals and 94,810 departures.
“This performance reflects the continued recovery and expansion of air travel demand and underscores Uganda’s growing connectivity to regional and international markets,” she said.
Meanwhile, Cargo traffic also registered encouraging growth, with exports amounting to 3,389 metric tonnes and imports reaching 1,434 metric tonnes, resulting in a total throughput of 4,823 metric tonnes during the month.
“The gradual reopening of Middle Eastern airspace, following earlier disruptions, contributed significantly to this positive performance,” she said.
The applicants that presented their applications before the board, include the following:
- Cubic Air SMC Limited (Domestic, non scheduled passenger) – New
- Kampala Executive Aviation (Domestic and International non scheduled cargo) – New & Domestic and International non scheduled passenger (Renewal)
- Misk Air Limited (Domestic and International scheduled passenger and cargo) – New
- Flight Training Centre (Domestic and International non scheduled passenger and Aerial work) – New
- Transafrik Uganda Limited (International non scheduled cargo) – Renewal
- Grand Air Services Limited (International private) – Renewal
- Premier Airlines Limited (International scheduled and non scheduled passenger and cargo) – New
- Eagle Air Limited (International scheduled and non scheduled passenger and cargo) – Renewal
- Ubuntu Air Limited (International scheduled and non scheduled passenger) – New
- Asante Aviation Limited (Domestic scheduled passenger) – New
- Mungufeni Aviation Uganda Limited (Domestic and International non scheduled passenger) – New
- Arasus Aviation Limited (International scheduled and non scheduled passenger and cargo) – New
- Air Serv Limited (Domestic and International passenger – New
- AIM Air (Domestic and International non scheduled passenger – Renewal
