‘Internet Detectives’ Claim Mbarara Airport Design Is a Copy of China’s Chengdu Tianfu Airport

Ugandans on social media have raised eyebrows over an artistic impression of the proposed Mbarara International Airport, with many pointing out that the design appears to have been lifted directly from China’s Chengdu Tianfu International Airport.

The image began circulating online after the government unveiled it as part of a pitch by potential investors interested in developing the facility. Side-by-side comparisons shared widely on social media showed a striking similarity between the proposed Mbarara airport rendering and the existing aviation hub in Sichuan, China.

“It’s even a scam right from the impression,” one social media user wrote, drawing laughter from followers who shared the comparison images.

“The impression looks too good to be brought to reality in East Africa but well,” another commenter added, capturing the scepticism that dominated online discussions.

Despite the online ridicule, the government moved to reassure the public about the seriousness of the project. Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja said the company interested in developing the airport will finance the construction using its own funds, and will later recover the investment through user charges and other airport revenue streams.

According to government officials, the project will sit on about 21 square kilometres of land and will feature two runways each stretching 5.5 kilometres. Authorities say the airport could position Mbarara as a major aviation hub capable of handling international flights to destinations including China and Brazil.

The proposed Mbarara airport is part of a broader and ambitious government plan to build 20 international airports across the country. Officials say the initiative is aimed at boosting economic growth, expanding tourism and improving connectivity between different parts of Uganda.

Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa named Kasese, Kotido and Kabale among the areas expected to benefit from the programme. He told lawmakers that land has already been secured for an airport in Kabale, while a separate investor has expressed interest in the Kotido project.

“In Kotido, the Four Seasons Hotel, one of the best in the world, is soon opening there, with an international airport. We have an investor for both. We are going to build another international airport in Kabale. Mr Amos Nzeyi has given us land for that,” Tayebwa said.

“Our target is to have 20 international airports to support tourism and connectivity of our people,” he added.

Uganda is already making progress on one front. Construction of Kabalega International Airport in Hoima District is ongoing, with authorities describing it as the country’s future second international gateway after Entebbe International Airport. The facility has a 3.5-kilometre runway designed to handle large aircraft for both cargo and passenger operations, and is expected to be handed to the government after final installations and certification.

Kabalega airport will also serve a planned industrial park set to host oil and logistics infrastructure, with construction of the park expected to begin later this year.

The airport expansion drive falls within Uganda’s long-term economic blueprint that targets growing the economy to $550 billion by 2040, with a focus on agriculture, tourism, minerals, and science and technology.