Museveni Launches Jinja Airfield Upgrading Project
Earlier in January 2025, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni officially launched the upgrading of Jinja Airfield, a transformative project aimed at bolstering Uganda’s infrastructure, enhancing tourism and improving regional connectivity.
The project will see the development of the airfield’s runway, taxiway, and apron into international standards. The upgrade, spearheaded by a joint venture between Gofar Investment and MJ Engineers and Contractors, commenced in 2024 and is set to be completed within 15 months.
President Museveni emphasized the strategic importance of the project, highlighting Jinja’s potential as a transportation hub and a gateway for tourists.
“Constructing and expanding the airfield is logical, it will enable tourists to reach their destinations on time and ease transportation for both people and goods,” he said.
He noted the significant strides Uganda has made since 1986, transforming from a struggling economy with limited infrastructure to a dynamic nation on the path to industrialization. He outlined the government’s broader vision of rehabilitating and expanding airfields, railway stations, and even introducing water transport to reduce road congestion and accidents.
President Museveni stressed the importance of air travel for high-value tourists who prefer swift journeys. He revealed plans to establish an international airport in Kidepo National Park to enhance access to Uganda’s pristine wildlife destinations.
The President reaffirmed his support for Jinja’s airfield project, calling it a key step toward positioning Jinja as a critical link in the country’s transportation network.
The Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga, First Deputy Prime Minister, appealed to the President for an additional 10 acres of land to further expand the airfield and accommodate the growing demands of an international airport. She noted that the people of Jinja have long dreamed of such an airport, and this project brings them closer to that vision.
Hon. Fred Byamukama, State Minister for Works and Transport, emphasized the project’s potential to enhance tourism.
He noted that tourists have faced challenges traveling from Kampala to Jinja by road and that this upgrade will significantly boost the tourism sector.
The government has committed UGX 23 billion through the Ministry of Works and Transport to fund the airfield’s development.
Hon. Byamukama assured Ugandans that the ministry is committed to ensuring the project’s timely and successful completion.
The launch ceremony was attended by Ministers, Members of Parliament, Aviation Officers, Local and Religious leaders.
The construction of a modern main entrance to the airport with a dual carriageway road are also included in the planned improvements.
The engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract now valued at USh23 billion (US$6.27 million) was awarded to a joint venture between Gofar Investment Company and MJ Engineers and Contractors and is being managed and supervised by the Uganda’s Ministry of Works and Transport.
The work is expected to last 15 months and conclude in the first half of 2026.
About Jinja Airfield
Jinja Airfield (IATA: JIN, ICAO: HUJI) is a small civilian and military airport in Uganda. It serves the town of Jinja in Jinja District, Busoga, and Eastern Region of Uganda.
The airfield is adjacent to the Uganda Senior Command and Staff College of the Uganda People’s Defence Force at Kimaka, a suburb of Jinja. It is approximately 95 kilometers (59 mi), by air, east of Entebbe International Airport, the country’s largest airport.
Jinja Airport is one of 13 upcountry airports that are administered by the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority.
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