The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) has announced that the state-of-the-art 20,000-square-metre passenger terminal at Entebbe International Airport is scheduled to open in January 2026.
This milestone follows a year of record-breaking air traffic and massive infrastructure upgrades across Uganda.
Uganda’s aviation sector is ending 2025 on a historic high. During a stakeholders’ engagement breakfast at the Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala, Fred Bamwesigye, the Director General of the UCAA, confirmed that the newly completed terminal building at Entebbe International Airport (EIA) will be commissioned in phases starting next month.
Boosting Capacity: 3.5 Million Passengers Annually
The expansion is a strategic response to the surge in air travel demand. The new terminal will increase Entebbe’s passenger handling capacity from the current 2 million to 3.5 million passengers per year.
According to Bamwesigye, the timing is critical. “The international passenger traffic from January to November 2025 has already reached 2,247,145, surpassing the total for the entire year of 2024 (2,243,104)—and this is before we even account for the peak December travel season,” he noted.
Key Features of the New Entebbe Terminal:
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Aerobridges: Three additional aerobridges have been installed, bringing the airport total to five.
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Check-in Facilities: 24 new check-in counters have been added to the existing 22.
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Automation: 14 new self-check-in counters to streamline passenger flow.
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Enhanced Experience: Modernized amenities including the revamped Karibuni Lounge, prayer rooms, massage chairs, and a children’s playroom.
Drivers of Growth: Uganda Airlines and Global Tourism
The UCAA attributes this unprecedented growth to several factors, primarily the aggressive expansion of Uganda Airlines. The national carrier recently launched new routes to London Gatwick, Harare, and Kinshasa.
Additionally, a renewed focus on tourism promotion and the return of major international conferences and sporting events have solidified Uganda’s position as a regional hub. “Aviation infrastructure will be key in facilitating AFCON 2027 and other international events Uganda is set to host,” Bamwesigye added.
National Aviation Infrastructure Overhaul
Beyond Entebbe, the UCAA is managing a nationwide upgrade of aviation facilities:
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Kabalega International Airport (Hoima): Nearing completion and set for operations in 2026 to support the oil and gas sector.
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Upcountry Aerodromes: Major upgrades are underway in Gulu, Soroti, Kasese, and Arua to boost domestic tourism and cross-border trade.
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Safety Systems: Investments in ADS-B surveillance and upgraded radar systems are being phased in through 2030 to ensure world-class safety.
Global Recognition and Challenges
Uganda’s progress was recently recognized on the global stage with its election to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Council for the 2025–2028 term.
However, the sector still faces hurdles. Bamwesigye highlighted challenges such as land constraints, the need for increased funding for upcountry airports, and managing government debt. He emphasized that aviation must be “mainstreamed at a strategic national level” due to its vital links to trade and economic development.
As the new terminal opens its doors in January, the UCAA’s focus remains on matching these world-class infrastructure upgrades with superior service delivery for every traveler.
