The Government of Uganda has signed a UGX 232 billion contract with Egypt’s SAMCO National Construction Company Ltd. for the construction of the passenger terminal at Kabalega International Airport in Hoima District, marking a significant step towards strengthening the country’s aviation infrastructure and supporting economic development in the Albertine region.
The contract has a completion period of eight months, reflecting the urgency of delivering the facility as Uganda prepares to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2027) and advances plans to expand the airport’s role beyond supporting oil and gas operations to accommodate international passenger traffic.
Speaking at the contract signing ceremony, the Minister of Works and Transport, Hon. Fred Byamukama, challenged the contractor to deliver the project within the agreed timeframe, maintain high construction standards and demonstrate professionalism and accountability.
“We are finally here witnessing the signing of the Kabalega Airport terminal contract. I have put my trust in you, and this project will either lift your name or spoil your name,” Hon. Byamukama said, urging the contractor to deliver on its commitments.
The project scope had been developed jointly by the Ministry of Works and Transport, the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) and the technical consultants, to ensure that the terminal meets the airport’s operational requirements.
He emphasized the importance of integrity throughout implementation, warning against corruption and unnecessary interference that could compromise the quality and timely completion of the works.
“You must do this work without any corruption,” he said, calling on all stakeholders to remain focused on their respective responsibilities.
Hon. Byamukama confirmed the Government’s commitment to meeting its obligations and facilitating implementation, noting that timely delivery would require close coordination between the contractor, the Ministry, UCAA and other relevant institutions.
“We shall do our obligations to ensure we fulfil our promises,” he said.
The Minister’s remarks come as Uganda intensifies preparations for AFCON 2027, which will require reliable transport infrastructure and adequate passenger-handling facilities to support the movement of international visitors, football teams, officials and other stakeholders. The accelerated implementation timeline is therefore important in ensuring that the airport’s passenger-terminal facilities are delivered in good time to support the country’s wider infrastructure and hosting preparations.
The Egyptian Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Sherif Mohamed Abdellattif Elgammal, commended the Government for conducting a transparent and merit-based procurement process. He expressed confidence in the contractor’s ability to execute the works and strengthen infrastructure cooperation between Uganda and Egypt.
“You conducted this tender in a very transparent and merit-based way. That is why a big Egyptian company won it,” the Ambassador said.
He noted that Egypt had undertaken extensive infrastructure development over the past decade, with the contractor participating in numerous government projects involving roads, airports and other infrastructure facilities.
The Ambassador expressed confidence that the company would meet its contractual obligations and that successful implementation would open opportunities for further cooperation between Ugandan and Egyptian institutions and businesses.
“I am sure that this will not be the last contract they win in Uganda. There will be more and more,” he said.
Kabalega International Airport was initially conceived following the discovery of oil in the Albertine region, with the aim of facilitating the transportation of essential equipment and supporting oil exploration activities. The project was originally under the Ministry of Energy, while the Ministry of Works and Transport served as contract manager.
As the Government’s development priorities evolved, the airport’s intended role expanded beyond the petroleum sector to include international passenger travel. Although the runway had been developed, the original terminal arrangements were primarily designed around cargo operations, creating the need for passenger facilities suited to the airport’s expanded functions.
Under the project implementation framework, the Ministry of Works and Transport provides overall policy and sector oversight, while the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority plays a key technical and operational role in the development of aviation infrastructure and ensuring that airport facilities meet the applicable civil aviation requirements. The Authority’s involvement is therefore important in aligning the passenger terminal with the airport’s operational needs and applicable aviation standards.
The UGX 232 billion contract represents an important milestone in advancing the passenger-terminal component of Kabalega International Airport. Beyond supporting the petroleum industry, the facility is expected to strengthen the airport’s capacity to handle international passengers and contribute to the development of the Albertine region.
With only eight months provided for implementation, the contractor and the responsible government institutions will need to maintain close coordination, resolve implementation challenges promptly and ensure that the works meet the approved specifications and contractual requirements.
The Ministry of Works and Transport, working with UCAA and other stakeholders, will continue to support implementation, with emphasis on accountability, quality and timely delivery as Uganda strengthens its aviation infrastructure and prepares to host AFCON 2027.