The construction of Kabalega International Airport, a key infrastructure project in Uganda’s oil and gas sector, is now 96% complete, with the official commissioning set for September 2025. The airport, located in Hoima District, is expected to play a pivotal role in facilitating the transportation of critical equipment to meet Uganda's 2025 oil production target.

The contract for the constructcion of the airport was awarded to a joint venture between Israeli-British firms Shikun and Binui International-SBI/Colas Limited, had initially planned to hand over the airport to the government last month. However, Buchbut Sharly, the Managing Director for SBI International, explained that additional time was needed to finalize key elements of the project, including the construction of the control tower, installation of electricity, CCTV cameras, fibre optic cables, and other essential operations.

A significant design change also contributed to delays: the airport was originally designed with a mobile control tower, but plans were later altered to include a fixed control tower, which required additional time and resources. This shift in design, according to SBI, impacted the progress of the overall construction, leading to the delay.

The government of Uganda has already invested 1.08 trillion shillings of the 1.188 trillion allocated for the project. The contractor is currently requesting an additional 76 billion shillings to complete the remaining works. Despite challenges, including increased material costs and disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Fred Byamukama, the Minister of State for Transport, reassured stakeholders that the airport will be completed on schedule, with the major facilities largely in place.

Once finished, Kabalega International Airport will be a cornerstone of Uganda’s fast-developing oil and gas industry. The airport will include:

- A 3.5 km runway (99% complete)

- Control tower (under construction)

- Cargo terminal (complete)

- Passenger terminal (limited capacity, near completion)

- Fire station, apron, parallel runways, taxiways, air rescue fire fighting house, power substation, communications and navigation systems, and more.

With a runway that can accommodate large cargo planes and facilities capable of supporting the transportation needs of the oil sector, the airport will serve as a vital logistical hub for both the oil and gas industry and the agriculture and tourism sectors in the Albertine region and beyond.

The completion of the airport will bring substantial benefits to the surrounding community, particularly in Bunyoro. Byamukama urged the local population to prepare for the economic opportunities the airport will create. Furthermore, 90% of the workers on the project are Ugandan, and the government plans to continue training and equipping local workers for future airport construction projects.

The project is expected to contribute to the development of local expertise in airport operations, as some staff from Entebbe Airport will be transferred to Kabalega to ensure smooth operations once the airport opens.

Earlier this year, construction was briefly halted due to a dispute over funding. The contractor had requested an additional 126 billion shillings to complete the work, citing price hikes for materials and labour. The government also raised concerns about possible cost inflation and potential irregularities in the project’s financial management. However, after negotiations and investigations, work resumed in April 2023, with both parties agreeing on a path forward.

As the final 5% of construction work is completed, the airport is expected to be fully operational by September 2025. The airport’s completion is crucial for Uganda’s oil production ambitions and will provide a significant boost to the local economy. Test flights have already successfully passed international standards, and the airport is on track to meet its target date for commissioning.

The first phase of the project will conclude with the operational opening of the runway and cargo terminal, followed by the passenger terminal procurement process set to begin six months later.

This monumental project marks a critical step in Uganda’s infrastructure development and its positioning as a key player in East Africa’s oil and gas industry.

The Government of Uganda, through the Ministry of Works and Transport, has officially signed a contract to construct the 272 kilometer-169-mile Tororo - Malaba Standard Gauge Railway line section with a Turkish firm, Yapı Merkezi.

This agreement marks the beginning of a larger initiative to develop a 1,700-kilometer electric rail line, with the initial 272 Km segment set to cost approximately Ugx 10.9 trillion (2.7 billion euros.

The project is expected to enhance trade and lower transportation costs, as highlighted by Bageya Waiswa, Permanent Secretary of the Works Ministry, during the signing ceremony. Waiswa and Yapı Merkezi’s Holdings Vice Chairman Erdem Arıoğlu signed the agreement, with the attendance of Uganda's Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, and Turkish Ambassador Fatih Ak.

The Permanent Secretary noted that funding for the project will come from Uganda's own resources and loans from export credit agencies. The construction is expected to be completed within 48 months upon commencement.

The railway will connect the capital, Kampala, to Malaba, near the Kenyan border, linking landlocked Uganda to Kenya's rail network and providing access to the Indian Ocean port of Mombasa. Ambassador Ak reaffirmed Turkey’s dedication to sharing its railway expertise to modernize Uganda's infrastructure.

In 2015, Uganda had initially partnered with China Harbour and Engineering Company Ltd (CHEC) for this project, contingent on securing Chinese government funding. However, after prolonged discussions and lack of support from the China Exim Bank, Uganda terminated that agreement last year and engaged Yapı Merkezi, which is also working on a similar railway project in neighboring Tanzania.

In Tanzania, Yapı Merkezi has been instrumental in constructing a 1,219-kilometer standard gauge railway aimed at facilitating trade with Uganda and other countries in the region.

A high level delegation from Japan led by Senior Vice President Ando Naoki met with the Hon. Minister of State for Transport-Hon. Fred Byamukama on 16th October 2024 discussed the progress of various JICA funded projects.

The projects include: New Bridge across River Nile at Jinja, Upgrading of Atiak -Nimule Road, Kampala Flyover Construction and Road Upgrading Project, Traffic Control Project, Project for Improvement of National Road in Refugee-hosting Areas of West Nile Sub-region, Improvement of Gulu Municipality Roads Project, and Capacity Development for Improvement of Road Construction and Maintenance Project

The Minister appreciated the contribution of the Government of Japan to the development of transport infrastructure in Uganda.

At the same meeting, it was emphasized that completed projects such as the Nile bridge, Atiak - Nimule road needed to be adequately maintained.

Similarly, discussions on the financing of phase 2 of the Kampala Flyover project, equipment for road maintenance needed to be concluded.

The delegated informed the Minister that they had done field visits to the Karuma Bridge and the Mmanibe -Yumbe refugee roads project.

Furthermore it was observed that studies were being undertaken by JICA on the construction of the new Karuma Bridge.

There was need to fast track this project as it not only provided connectivity to Northern Uganda but also regional connectivity to South Sudan and Congo.

The Japanese delegation congratulated the Government of Uganda on the important milestone of signing the contract for the construction of the Standard Gauge railway.

Construction of the Mpigi Expressway, a highly anticipated infrastructure development project is currently underway. The project, aimed at easing the perennial traffic congestion that plagues the Masaka road is an ambitious endeavour that not only promises to streamline local transport but also to bolster connections across the region. The expressway will link Uganda to neighbouring countries like Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Recently, Katumba Wamala, the Minister of Works and Transport, conducted a thorough inspection of the ongoing works on the expressway where he witnessed the progress being made on this four-lane toll road. “This project is more than just a road; it’s a lifeline for our economy and our communities,” he remarked, looking over the vast stretch of land that will soon become a bustling corridor for trade and travel.

The Mpigi Expressway is designed to significantly reduce travel times and fuel consumption for commuters. With daily traffic jams that have become a norm on the Masaka road, the new expressway is a beacon of hope for thousands of motorists and residents alike. It aims to cut travel times, making journeys smoother and more efficient. “This will be a game changer for everyone who travels in and out of the region,” Wamala added.

As construction progresses, the anticipated completion date is set for the end of 2026, although it may stretch to August 2027. The anticipation is palpable, with local communities eagerly awaiting the day when they will experience the benefits of the expressway. The road will create vital links from the main Masaka road, connecting areas such as Nabingo and Katende and terminating at the Busega intersection. This intersection will serve as a crucial junction to the Northern Bypass, the Entebbe Expressway, and the Mityana road, forming an essential web of connectivity for the region.

However, the journey has not been without its challenges. The project has faced delays due to necessary adjustments in alignment to mitigate environmental destruction and conflicts with existing railway lines. A significant portion of the route, approximately 17 kilometers of the main 23-kilometer link, traverses swamp areas, which has posed significant engineering challenges. Rock filling and other construction methods have heightened costs and extended timelines.

In this regard, the contractor is working closely with the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) to ensure that all environmental clearances are obtained and that the natural landscape is preserved as much as possible.

“While we are aware of the challenges, we are also proud of our commitment to the environment,” Wamala emphasized. “We strive to ensure that as we build the future, we do so responsibly.” This careful approach is not just about regulatory compliance; it reflects a deeper understanding of the balance needed between development and environmental stewardship.

As Wamala concluded his inspection, he reflected on the broader impact of the project. “This expressway is more than a road; it’s a step toward a more connected and prosperous future for Uganda,” he stated, envisioning bustling trade routes and smoother travel for generations to come.

In a bid to improve air travel standards across Africa, aviation professionals from 13 Eastern and Northern African countries have completed a five-day capacity-building workshop focused on consumer protection regulations.

Held from 26^th  to 30^th August, the workshop was attended by representatives from Tunisia, Egypt, Djibouti, Comoros, Kenya, Tanzania, South Sudan, Libya, Somalia, Rwanda, Ethiopia, and Uganda. The event, organized by the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), aimed to equip these professionals with the necessary tools to enforce and advocate for consumer rights within the aviation industry.

The closing ceremony was presided over by Mr. Bageya Waiswa, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works and Transport, who lauded the workshop’s success and highlighted its role in advancing a seamless air travel experience across the continent. Mr. Waiswa commended the organizers for their efforts in promoting robust consumer protection standards.

Throughout the workshop, participants gained comprehensive insights into the Protection of Consumer Rights, learning how to develop and implement regulations that will safeguard air transport consumers from unfair practices. This initiative seeks to ensure that airlines, airports, and other aviation service providers adhere to high standards of fairness and transparency, preventing exploitation and enhancing the overall passenger experience.

With newfound expertise, these aviation professionals are now poised to lead efforts in their respective countries, fostering a more equitable and consumer-focused aviation sector across Africa.

{gallery}African Aviation Professionals Empowered to Enhance Consumer Protection{/gallery}