EDITOR
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to upgrading Kisoro Airfield and constructing a new international airport in Kabale District, a move aimed at strengthening tourism and accelerating economic growth in the Kigezi Sub-region.
Speaking during the national Tarehe Sita celebrations held in Kabale on Friday, President Museveni revealed that the government will expand Kisoro Airstrip and establish a modern international airport on land donated by Crown Beverages Limited executive chairman Amos Nzeyi, in partnership with an investor from the United Arab Emirates.
The President commended Nzeyi for his contribution, noting that the airport project will be developed in collaboration with the ruler of Sharjah. He said the new facility will allow international tourists to fly directly into the region, eliminating the long road journey from Entebbe.
The planned airport infrastructure is expected to significantly improve access to key tourism attractions, especially Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park—renowned gorilla-tracking destinations near Uganda’s borders with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Gorilla tourism remains one of Uganda’s top foreign-exchange earners.
In addition, President Museveni announced plans to construct another major international airport in Mbarara, which will mainly serve cargo transport. He explained that the facility will position the region as a strategic hub for trade between South America and Asia, particularly China.
The President emphasized that the development of these airports will stimulate regional development, create new economic opportunities, and reinforce tourism as a key driver of transformation in the Kigezi Sub-region.
