The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) Board of Directors and Management Team has confirmed that works at Kabalega International Airport in Hoima District have reached 97% completion, following an on-site inspection conducted on Friday, February 12.

The inspection team was led by Dr. Steven B. K. Kavuma (DCJ) Emeritus, the UCAA Board Chairperson, who commended the contractor for the significant progress made on the multi-billion-shilling aviation project.

UCAA officials say the remaining works are expected to be completed by March 2026, marking the final phase toward operational readiness for the strategic airport located in Uganda’s oil-rich Albertine region.

Key Airport Facilities Already Completed

According to UCAA, several critical facilities at the airport have already been completed, including:

- A parallel runway 

- A cargo terminal

- A fully equipped fire station

- A meteorological facility to support aviation weather monitoring

The airport is classified as a Code 4F facility, meaning it is designed to handle large aircraft operations, including wide-body jets.

However, officials noted that a mobile air traffic control tower is yet to be installed and will be added in the coming months as part of the remaining works.

Airport Access Road Still Under Construction

While the main airport infrastructure is near completion, UCAA confirmed that the airport access road is still under development and currently stands at 44% completion.

The access road is considered an essential component of the airport’s operational readiness, as it will connect the facility to key transport routes in Hoima and surrounding districts.

UCAA says all works, including the road and pending installations, are scheduled to be finalized by March 2026.

Why Kabalega International Airport Is Strategically Important

Kabalega International Airport is widely regarded as one of Uganda’s most important infrastructure projects, primarily because of its strategic location in the Albertine Graben, the region where Uganda’s major oil discoveries were made.

The airport is expected to play a major role in supporting Uganda’s oil and gas industry by improving the transportation of:

- oil sector personnel

- specialized cargo and heavy equipment

- aviation logistics for refinery and pipeline projects

Hoima is home to the planned Uganda oil refinery and is also central to the ongoing petroleum development projects that are expected to transform the country’s economy.

With increased investment in the oil sector, the airport is expected to strengthen logistics efficiency and reduce reliance on Entebbe International Airport for oil-related cargo operations.

Expected Economic Impact for Hoima and Western Uganda

Beyond oil, the completion of Kabalega International Airport is expected to bring major economic benefits to Hoima District and the wider western region.

Analysts believe the airport will contribute to:

- increased trade and cargo movement

- job creation during and after construction

- improved tourism access to western Uganda

- new investment opportunities in hotels, transport, and services

The cargo terminal is expected to become a key regional hub, potentially supporting agricultural exports and commercial goods transportation.

Delays and Revised Completion Timelines

Kabalega International Airport has been under construction for several years, with earlier projections suggesting the airport could have been completed earlier than 2026.

However, the project experienced delays linked to funding arrangements, infrastructure expansion requirements, and additional works such as the access road and aviation support systems.

UCAA’s latest inspection and confirmation of 97% completion suggests the airport is now entering the final stage toward full commissioning.

What to Expect Next

With major infrastructure now complete, attention will shift to the remaining installations, final certification processes, and completion of the access road.

UCAA officials say the upcoming phase will focus on:

- installation of the mobile control tower

- final testing of airport systems

- safety and operational readiness checks

- completion of the access road and related works

Once completed, Kabalega International Airport is expected to become Uganda’s newest international aviation facility and a critical support system for the country’s long-term development goals.

Kabalega Airport Set to Boost Uganda’s Aviation and Oil Logistics

The latest inspection by the UCAA Board signals renewed momentum for a project that has been closely watched by both the aviation and oil sectors.

With 97% of works complete, Kabalega International Airport is now closer than ever to becoming operational, positioning Hoima as a key gateway for investment, cargo handling, and oil-sector logistics in Uganda.

As the March 2026 deadline approaches, many Ugandans will be watching to see whether the long-awaited facility will finally be fully delivered and commissioned for use.