UGANDA, Entebbe | Real Muloodi News | The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) is taking crucial steps towards the expansion of Entebbe International Airport, a move that may necessitate the relocation of residents living in the vicinity of the airport.
This ambitious expansion project is part of an ongoing master plan aimed at enhancing the airport’s competitiveness on the global stage.
During an inspection of the ongoing works at Entebbe International Airport by the parliamentary committee on physical infrastructure, Mr Fred Bamwesigye, the Director General of UCAA, revealed the authority’s intention to acquire additional land surrounding the airport as a crucial part of their expansion strategy.
This proposed expansion, however, would likely require the displacement of residents living in the Kigungu area near the airport.
Mr. Bamwesigye emphasised the importance of valuing the land owned by the affected residents. This valuation process is expected to be conducted by the Chief Government Valuer within the next six months, although the actual compensation to residents would depend on the availability of funds.
He explained, “We need about five more square miles of land in order to adequately cater for the airport’s expansion plans. We have been in touch with the community, and they are okay with it as long as they are adequately compensated, but we do not have the capacity to do that. We shall work with the government in this regard.”
As part of the ongoing infrastructure development at the airport, Mr Bamwesigye also highlighted some of the progress already made.
He mentioned the expansion of the departures area, which is partially operational, awaiting the opening of the main entrance to the terminal building later this year.
Additionally, an arrivals component of the project is in the works to create a more spacious and welcoming environment for departing passengers.
When these infrastructural upgrades are completed, the terminal building’s capacity is expected to increase from its current 2 million passengers per year to at least 3.5 million passengers by July 2024.
Furthermore, Mr. Bamwesigye provided insights into the airport’s recent performance. He stated that the total number of passengers facilitated from January to September 2023 was 1,390,495, marking an 87 per cent recovery compared to 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact.
The Director General also mentioned that UCAA is scheduled to undergo the ICAO Universal Security Audit Programme – Continuous Monitoring Programme (USAP – CMA) in January 2024.
This audit aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Uganda’s security systems in compliance with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards and practices.
Vice-chairperson of Parliament’s physical infrastructure committee, Mr Tony Awany, expressed his agreement with the need for airport expansion and committed to offering support.
He acknowledged that while some individuals have encroached on land that originally belonged to Entebbe International Airport, the massive investments in the airport make relocation the only viable solution.
He encouraged Mr. Bamwesigye to communicate with the committee regarding this matter.
During their visit to assess the ongoing refurbishment and expansion works, the committee inspected various facilities at the airport, including the new terminal building, which is at a 45 per cent completion level, the terminal modification building, new offices on the third floor, and the aircraft apron, among others.
It’s worth noting that Entebbe Airport’s construction began in 1967 during the Obote I regime and was completed by Idi Amin in 1972.
The UPDF engineering brigade is currently executing the expansion works, with support from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).
Herbert Ngoobi, the Chief Aerodrome Planning engineer, shared that some of the technology in the old terminal required upgrading, where possible.
Management is racing against time to complete the work, especially in preparation for the Pan African Parliamentary Conference and the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) scheduled for early next year.
One significant improvement is that guests and passengers can now be picked up from within the terminal without parking, thanks to the provision for a drive-through.
Office space has also been expanded, and there will be options for napping and self-refreshment at a cost. More space is allocated for service providers, including shops and restaurants.
The MPs also urged CAA to focus on the development of upcountry aerodromes to facilitate inland transport and tourism, to which Mr Bamwesigye explained that the number of active upcountry aerodromes would increase according to National Development Plan III.
Additionally, they called for increased opportunities for local Ugandans to do business at the airport, with the management noting that prior efforts had been made, but local businesses faced challenges upon arrival.
International rules also prohibited preferential treatment to specific players, including Uganda Airlines Ltd, the national carrier.
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