Uganda’s aviation sector is continuing to expand, with Entebbe International Airport registering rising passenger traffic, enhanced infrastructure and stronger safety and security standards, the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) has told Members of Parliament.The progress was highlighted on Thursday, August 20, 2026, when the Public Accounts Committee–Committee of Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (PAC-COSASE), led by Hon. Muwada Nkunyingi, visited Entebbe International Airport for an oversight tour of the facility.During the visit, the legislators inspected several critical installations, including the arrival and departure sections of the main terminal, the new terminal extension, cargo centre, electrical centre, airport fire station and business class lounge, giving them a first-hand view of the services and infrastructure operated by UCAA.UCAA Ag.
Director General Olive Birungi Lumonya told the MPs that the Authority had achieved several milestones, among them the development of a 15-year Air Navigation Plan covering 2025–2040 and Uganda’s election to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Council for the 2025–2028 term. She described the ICAO position as an important recognition of Uganda’s contribution to international aviation.Lumonya said the aviation industry had demonstrated resilience despite external shocks, including flight disruptions resulting from developments affecting Middle East airspace. She noted that passenger numbers continued to grow, reflecting increased connectivity and confidence in Uganda as an aviation and tourism destination.Entebbe International Airport handled 2.48 million international passengers in 2025, compared with 2.24 million in 2024, translating into approximately 11 per cent growth.
The increase was supported by new airline routes, additional operators and expanding tourism, with Uganda having concluded 64 Bilateral Air Service Agreements with other countries.Uganda’s aviation safety and security performance has also remained above international and regional averages. The country achieved 72.64 per cent under the ICAO safety oversight audit conducted in September 2023, compared with regional and global averages of 55 per cent and 69.4 per cent respectively.
In the 2024 security audit, Uganda scored 81.6 per cent, again exceeding the regional and global averages, with no significant safety or security concerns raised in either audit.To further improve airport safety, UCAA has acquired three modern fire trucks to sustain Category 9 fire cover at Entebbe, while the revamped Karibuni Lounge has been relocated to the second floor of the passenger terminal. The visiting MPs welcomed the improvements but, in line with their accountability mandate, said they would continue engaging UCAA to obtain further clarification on its programmes, projects and expenditure.
