Kabalega International Airport in Hoima has reached a major milestone with the successful arrival of its first passenger aircraft, marking a significant step in the development of Uganda’s newest international airport.
The historic development took place on Sunday, September 27, 2026, as aircraft carrying officials and football teams arrived at the airport ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027 qualifier between Uganda Cranes and Libya at Hoima City Stadium.
The first flights included aircraft carrying officials from the Confederation of African Football (CAF), FIFA and the AFCON Local Organizing Committee. The Libyan national team subsequently arrived aboard Uganda Airlines, followed by the Uganda Cranes team.
The successful arrivals provided an important operational test of the airport’s facilities and systems, including air traffic control, runway and airport support systems, as the facility moves closer to commencing full operations.
Minister of works and Transport, Hon. Fred Byamukama, said the successful flights demonstrated the readiness of the airport’s systems, noting that the facility is currently at about 99 percent completion, with final testing and works ongoing.
“We have completed the first phase of the airport construction, and we are now at the final stages of confirming the systems installed at the airport are working properly,” the Minister said.
He further noted that the contractor is expected to hand over the completed first phase to the Ministry of Works and Transport, paving the way for the next phase of development.
The second phase will include the construction of a larger passenger terminal designed to significantly increase passenger-handling capacity. Government has committed additional funding of Shs232 billion towards the expansion of passenger facilities.
The airport, whose construction commenced in 2018, features a 3.5-kilometre runway and was initially developed to support Uganda’s oil and gas industry and the transportation of heavy equipment to the Albertine region. It is also expected to support passenger travel, tourism, trade and wider economic activity in Western Uganda.
The successful landing of passenger aircraft comes as Uganda prepares to co-host AFCON 2027 with Kenya and Tanzania, with Hoima among the locations being prepared to host tournament activities.
The airport is expected to officially commence business in January 2027, subject to completion of the remaining works, testing and commissioning processes.
The milestone underscores Government’s continued investment in strategic transport infrastructure aimed at improving connectivity, supporting economic growth and unlocking the development potential of the Albertine and wider Western Uganda region.