PRESIDENT MUSEVENI LAUNCHES JINJA AIRFIELD UPGRADING PROJECT, PAVING WAY FOR REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has today officially launched the
construction works for upgrading the 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.

Uganda is also building pipelines to Kenya and Tanzania to eliminate the
need for transporting petroleum products by road, which contributes to
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.