Kabalega international airport

Kabalega International Airport, also known as Hoima International Airport, is a significant infrastructure project currently under construction in Hoima District, Uganda. This airport is poised to become Uganda's second international airport, alongside Entebbe International Airport, and is expected to play a crucial role in the development of the country's petroleum industry, as well as boosting agriculture and tourism in the region.

Location and Overview

Kabalega International Airport is located in Kabaale Parish, Buseruka sub-county, Hoima District. The airport sits on a vast 29 square kilometers (11 square miles) of land, approximately 51 kilometers (32 miles) by road from the city of Hoima. The elevation of the airport is 1,070 meters (3,510 feet) above mean sea level.

Runway and Facilities

The main runway of Kabalega International Airport is 3,500 meters (11,483 feet) long and 45 meters wide, designed to accommodate large passenger and cargo aircraft. The airport will feature a range of facilities, including a fire station, apron, control tower, accommodation facilities, parallel runways, taxiway, air rescue firefighting house, power substation house, communications and navigation systems, perimeter fence, and air-ground illumination system.

Project Progress and Delays

The construction of Kabalega International Airport is being undertaken by a joint venture of Israeli-British firms, Shikun and Binui International-SBI/Colas Limited. Initially, the airport was scheduled to be handed over to the government in late 2024, but due to delays in completing crucial works like the control tower and other operations, the handover has been pushed to September 2025. The contractor is seeking additional funding to complete the remaining work, which includes the installation of electricity, CCTV cameras, and fiber optic cables.

Economic Impact and Future Prospects

Once completed, Kabalega International Airport is expected to significantly boost the oil and gas industry in Uganda, particularly in the Albertine region. The airport will facilitate the mobilization of equipment and staff for the construction of the Uganda Oil Refinery and the development of oilfields in the area. Additionally, the airport is anticipated to enhance the agriculture and tourism sectors, providing new opportunities for economic growth and development in the region.

Financing and Budget

The construction of Kabalega International Airport is financed by Standard Chartered Bank, with a budget of USD 309 million. The government of Uganda has so far spent 1.08 trillion shillings out of the 1.188 trillion budgeted for the airport construction works. The project is a key component of Uganda's infrastructure development plan, aimed at supporting the country's growing petroleum industry and promoting regional development.

To wrap up 

Kabalega International Airport represents a significant step forward for Uganda's infrastructure and economic development. With its strategic location and state-of-the-art facilities, the airport is set to become a vital gateway for the country's petroleum industry, as well as a catalyst for growth in agriculture and tourism. As the project nears completion, the people of Hoima and the surrounding regions eagerly await the opportunities and benefits that the airport will bring.