Current Status of Hoima International Airport

Kabaale International Airport commonly known as Hoima International Airport is part of the infrastructure under construction as Uganda prepares to harness its nascent petroleum industry. The airport is expected to facilitate mobilization of equipment for construction of the Uganda Oil Refinery and boost the development of agriculture and tourism.

The airport constructed by SBC is expected to be handed over to the government of Uganda in February 2023. This timeline is under threat however, following delays in confirming the traffic control tower design. The traffic control tower design is not only the only issue that might delay the handover, but also the lack of electricity and water.

To address the water challenge, in 2018, a water and sanitation improvement project for the Albertine region of Hoima and Masindi was earmarked to supply water to the lower part of the Albertine graben where the airport is situated was earmarked. Unfortunately, the project remained on paper.

According to Mary Mugasa who was the Hoima mayor at the time and now the state minister of public service, the project lacked funds. Mugasa had paid a courtesy visit to the airport contractor to help identify the challenges.

The first phase of construction that includes the runway and cargo-handling facilities, is expected to be ready soon with works now at 95%. When completed, it would be Uganda’s second international airport, besides Entebbe International Airport.