As Uganda intensifies preparations to co-host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) next year, the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) has assured Parliament that Entebbe International Airport is fully prepared to handle the expected increase in passenger traffic.
Speaking before the Parliamentary Committee on Physical Infrastructure, UCAA Deputy Director General Ms. Olive Birungi Lumonya said the country’s main international gateway has the capacity and systems required to efficiently serve the large number of travelers expected during the prestigious continental football tournament.
She noted that UCAA has been making continuous improvements at the airport to ensure smooth operations and a positive travel experience for both local and international visitors.The assurance comes at a time when Uganda is working closely with its regional partners to ensure the successful hosting of AFCON.
The tournament is expected to attract thousands of football fans, players, officials, media personnel, and tourists from across Africa and beyond. This is likely to result in a significant increase in flights and passenger movements through Entebbe International Airport.Ms. Lumonya emphasized that the airport has undergone various upgrades in recent years, including improvements in passenger handling facilities, security systems, and operational efficiency.
These developments, she said, have positioned Entebbe International Airport to comfortably manage the anticipated rise in traffic during the tournament period.Members of the Parliamentary Committee welcomed the update and stressed the importance of ensuring that all transport and infrastructure facilities are ready ahead of the competition. They noted that AFCON presents Uganda with a unique opportunity to showcase its hospitality, tourism potential, and growing infrastructure to the rest of the continent.
The Africa Cup of Nations is one of the biggest sporting events on the continent, and its successful hosting could bring significant economic benefits to Uganda. Increased tourism, business opportunities, and international exposure are among the expected gains. With confidence expressed by UCAA officials, preparations at Entebbe International Airport appear to be on the right track as the country counts down to the historic tournament.
