Archival Sense
JF-Expert Member
- Dec 16, 2025
- 576
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Kabalega International Airport in Hoima has started receiving passenger flights, marking a major step in the operationalisation of the facility ahead of Uganda’s planned first oil production and co-hosting of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Construction of the airport began in 2018, primarily to support Uganda’s emerging oil industry by improving access to the oil-producing region.
The airport received its first passenger flight on Sunday morning when a Bombardier CRJ900 (5X-EQU) carrying officials from CAF, FIFA and the AFCON Local Organising Committee landed at about 9:00am.
Additional Uganda Airlines charter flights carrying the Ugandan and Libyan national teams are scheduled to land at the airport ahead of their international fixture on Tuesday.
The development comes as Uganda prepares for two major events expected to increase demand for air transport in the region — the start of oil production and the hosting of AFCON 2027 alongside Kenya and Tanzania.
Minister of State for Works and Transport Fred Byamukama said fully operationalising Kabalega International Airport would improve mobility and contribute to economic growth in the region.
The airport is expected to provide a more direct air link to the Albertine region, reducing reliance on road transport for passengers travelling to and from Hoima and surrounding areas.
Construction of the airport began in 2018, primarily to support Uganda’s emerging oil industry by improving access to the oil-producing region.
The airport received its first passenger flight on Sunday morning when a Bombardier CRJ900 (5X-EQU) carrying officials from CAF, FIFA and the AFCON Local Organising Committee landed at about 9:00am.
Additional Uganda Airlines charter flights carrying the Ugandan and Libyan national teams are scheduled to land at the airport ahead of their international fixture on Tuesday.
The development comes as Uganda prepares for two major events expected to increase demand for air transport in the region — the start of oil production and the hosting of AFCON 2027 alongside Kenya and Tanzania.
Minister of State for Works and Transport Fred Byamukama said fully operationalising Kabalega International Airport would improve mobility and contribute to economic growth in the region.
The airport is expected to provide a more direct air link to the Albertine region, reducing reliance on road transport for passengers travelling to and from Hoima and surrounding areas.