Uganda has announced an ambitious plan to develop up to 20 international airports across the country, but the reality on the ground tells a more mixed story. While a few projects are progressing steadily, others remain under construction or are still at the planning and funding stage. As of 2026, only a handful show visible progress.
Kabalega International Airport, Hoima: Nearly complete
Kabalega International Airport in Hoima is the most advanced of all the ongoing projects. According to the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), construction reached about 97 percent completion following a board inspection in February 2026.
Remaining works are expected to be finalized by March 2026, with handover to government also anticipated around the same period. By January 2026, most of the physical construction had already been completed.
The project has experienced delays over the years but remains one of Uganda’s biggest aviation investments, with about 1.08 trillion shillings already spent out of the 1.188 trillion shillings allocated.
The airport is designed as a Code 4F facility, meaning it will be capable of handling large, wide-body aircraft used for international long-haul flights.
Kidepo International Airport, Karamoja: Under construction
In the northeast, construction of Kidepo International Airport is actively ongoing near Kidepo National Park. The project is being developed in partnership with the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry from the United Arab Emirates.
The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority confirmed that the airport is intended to boost tourism in the Karamoja region and improve access to one of Uganda’s most remote national parks.
The planned runway will stretch about 3,600 metres, capable of handling aircraft such as the Boeing 777. The broader development also includes plans for hotels and lodges within the surrounding tourism zone.
Gulu International Airport: Upgrade in progress
Gulu Airport is currently undergoing major upgrades to meet international standards. The works are being fast-tracked by Egyptian firm SAMCO and include runway resurfacing, expansion of passenger facilities, and construction of a new control tower.
Once completed, Gulu is expected to serve as a key aviation hub for northern Uganda.
Arua International Airport
In the West Nile region, Arua aerodrome is planned for conversion into a regional and international airport, but construction has not yet started.
The project is estimated to cost about 143 million US dollars (approximately 529 billion shillings), with government currently seeking funding support from the African Development Bank.
Once developed, Arua is expected to improve cross-border connectivity with South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, boosting trade and regional movement.
Kasese Airport: Upgrade planned
Kasese Airport is also earmarked for a major upgrade to Code 4E status to support tourism and cross-border trade.
Engineering designs and a master plan have already been completed, but actual construction is pending the availability of funding.
Nyakisharara International Airport, Mbarara: Announced
One of the most ambitious proposals is the planned upgrade of Nyakisharara aerodrome into an international airport in Mbarara.
In a February 11, 2026 directive, President Yoweri Museveni instructed government institutions to support Base Seven Company, a private developer behind the project.
Plans include two 5.5-kilometre runways and a VIP runway. However, aviation experts have raised concerns over the scale, location, and financial feasibility of the project.
The proposed site covers about 21 square kilometres of agricultural land, raising concerns about possible displacement of residents. Construction has not yet begun.
Kigezi International Airport, Kabale area: Announced
A separate airport has also been proposed for the Kigezi region, aimed at supporting tourism to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
The project is expected to be developed on land reportedly donated by businessman Amos Nzeyi in partnership with a UAE-based investor linked to Sharjah leadership.
Entebbe International Airport: Expansion ongoing
Entebbe International Airport, Uganda’s main gateway, has completed a new 20,000 square metre passenger terminal building, which is being opened in phases starting in 2026.
The expansion will raise capacity to about 3.5 million passengers annually, up from roughly 2 million previously. In 2025 alone, the airport handled nearly 2.5 million international passengers.
Further developments, including an industrial park linked to oil and logistics operations, are also expected to begin rolling out.
The bigger picture
Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa previously outlined the vision of building up to 20 international airports across Uganda, identifying locations such as Kasese, Kotido, Kabale, and Arua among potential sites.
He noted that land has already been secured for some projects, while investors have shown interest in others, including Kotido.
The government has positioned the airport expansion programme as part of a broader strategy to grow Uganda’s economy to 550 billion US dollars by 2040.
However, despite the ambitious vision, a wide gap still exists between announcements and actual construction. As of 2026, only Kabalega International Airport and Kidepo International Airport show clear, active development on the ground.
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