LIST: Here Are International Airports Uganda Is Planning Across the Country

Uganda has announced plans to build up to 20 international airports across the country, but the reality on the ground is more nuanced. Some projects are nearly done, others are actively under construction, and several remain at the planning or announcement stage. Here is what is actually happening as of 2026.

Kabalega International Airport, Hoima: Nearly complete

This is the most concrete project of them all. Works at Kabalega International Airport reached 97 percent completion following a UCAA Board inspection in February 2026, with the remaining works expected to be finished by March 2026. As of January 2026, construction is complete and the airport is expected to be handed over to the government in March 2026. The airport has had a long and delayed history, with the government investing 1.08 trillion shillings of the 1.188 trillion allocated for the project. The airport is classified as a Code 4F facility, meaning it is designed to handle large aircraft operations including wide-body jets.

Kidepo International Airport, Karamoja: Under construction

Uganda signed a deal with the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry from the UAE to build Kidepo International Airport just outside Kidepo National Park in the northeast, near Uganda’s borders with Kenya and South Sudan. The UCAA confirmed that construction of Kidepo International Airport is ongoing in partnership with the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce to boost tourism in the Karamoja region. When completed, it will be the third international airport in Uganda. The main runway is planned to measure 3,600 metres, capable of supporting a Boeing 777. The developers also plan to construct multiple hotels and lodges inside the adjacent national park.

Gulu International Airport: Active upgrade underway

The upgrade of Gulu aerodrome to an international airport is being fast-tracked by Egyptian firm SAMCO, with works including runway resurfacing, a new terminal, and a control tower.

Arua International Airport: Funding being sought

Plans are underway to develop Arua aerodrome into a regional and international airport at an estimated cost of US$143 million, approximately 529 billion shillings, with funding being sought from the African Development Bank.

Kasese Airport: Upgrade planned

Kasese is slated for a Code 4E upgrade to promote cross-border trade and tourism. Engineering and master plan designs have been developed but implementation awaits funding.

Nyakisharara International Airport, Mbarara: Announced but contested

This is perhaps the most ambitious and most controversial of the new projects. In a February 11, 2026 letter to Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, President Museveni directed all relevant ministries to support a private developer, Base Seven Company, in implementing a mega transport project at the Nyakisharara aerodrome near Mbarara. The proposed airport would have two 5.5 kilometre runways and a VIP runway. However, the announcement met with scepticism from aviation industry specialists. The proposed site encompasses approximately 21 square kilometres of predominantly agricultural land, and there are concerns over the scale, site, and financing of the project, as well as the displacement of residents. Construction is not yet underway.

Kigezi International Airport, Kabale area: Announced

President Museveni announced plans to build a new international airport in the Kigezi region, on land donated by businessman Amos Nzeyi, in partnership with a UAE investor, the ruler of Sharjah. The airport is intended to serve gorilla-tracking tourists heading to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Entebbe International Airport: New terminal opened

A newly completed 20,000 square metre Passenger Terminal Building at Entebbe is being opened in phases starting January 2026. The expansion will enable the airport to handle 3.5 million passengers annually, up from around 2 million previously. Entebbe handled nearly 2.5 million international passengers in 2025 alone, with plans for an adjacent industrial park hosting oil and logistics infrastructure set to begin in 2026.

The bigger picture

Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa announced the bold vision of 20 international airports, identifying places such as Kasese, Kotido, and Kabale for development. He revealed that land has already been secured for the airport in Kabale, while an investor has stepped forward for Kotido. The government has framed the entire programme as part of a strategy to grow Uganda’s economy to $550 billion by 2040. However, the gap between announcements and actual construction remains wide for many of the projects on the list. Kabalega and Kidepo are the only two with confirmed construction activity at this point.