Uganda is making some major moves in its aviation sector as the country continues to develop its infrastructure and strengthen its position as a regional economic hub in East Africa. One of the most interesting developments is Kabalega International Airport in western Uganda, also known as Hoima International Airport. This weekend, it welcomed its first passenger flights.
The airport isn't being developed to replace Uganda's main international gateway, Entebbe International Airport. Instead, it's expected to complement Entebbe by providing a new gateway to the western part of the country, particularly the rapidly developing Albertine region around Lake Albert.
The location of the airport is no coincidence. Western Uganda has become increasingly important because of the country's developing oil and gas industry. Kabalega International Airport was originally developed to support the movement of heavy equipment, machinery and personnel required for oil and gas projects in the region. Its runway of roughly 2.2 miles (3.5 kilometers) is designed to accommodate large aircraft, making it an important piece of infrastructure for Uganda's wider economic plans.
Where It Is
Located in Hoima District, Kabalega International Airport is positioned close to Uganda's oil-producing region and the country's planned refinery and industrial developments. The airport is expected to support more than just aviation. It forms part of a much larger economic development taking place around Hoima and the Albertine region.
The airport was initially focused heavily on supporting the oil and gas sector, particularly the transportation of equipment and machinery. However, its role has now expanded, with passenger operations becoming an important part of its future.
The airport is also being developed at an interesting time for Uganda. The country will co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the continent's top international soccer tournament, alongside Kenya and Tanzania. Hoima is among the Ugandan locations involved. Hoima City Stadium is located close to the airport, making Kabalega particularly important for the movement of teams, officials and visitors.
The Ugandan government has allocated significant funding toward establishing a passenger terminal at Kabalega so that it can operate as an international passenger gateway ahead of AFCON 2027.
This could give the airport a second major purpose. What began largely as an airport to support Uganda's oil ambitions is now also becoming part of the country's preparations for one of Africa's biggest sporting events.
The First Flights
And now, the airport has finally welcomed its first passengers.
On September 27, Kabalega received its first passenger flights. Aircraft from Eagle Air Uganda and Uganda Airlines brought in officials from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA, along with the Libyan national soccer team. Libya is in Uganda for an AFCON qualifier against the Uganda Cranes at Hoima City Stadium on September 29. Eagle Air Uganda's Let L-410 Turbolet, a small twin-propeller plane, was among the first aircraft to arrive.
The landings were more than just a few flights. They were a demonstration of what Kabalega is expected to do once fully operational: bring passengers directly into the Hoima region rather than requiring them to travel through Entebbe and continue by road.
The Ugandan government deliberately used the arrivals to demonstrate the airport's readiness ahead of its official commissioning. Uganda Airlines was also expected to operate a flight carrying the Uganda Cranes, further highlighting the airport's role in supporting the country's soccer activities.
The timing could hardly be more appropriate. With AFCON 2027 approaching, Kabalega International Airport is expected to become an important part of Uganda's transportation infrastructure for the tournament.
Why It Matters
What makes Kabalega International Airport interesting is that its story goes beyond simply building another airport.
The airport sits at the center of Uganda's ambitions for the Albertine region. Oil and gas development has brought major investment into western Uganda, while infrastructure such as roads, industrial facilities and the refinery are expected to support the country's emerging energy sector. The airport provides the missing aviation link for this development.
At the same time, AFCON 2027 has given the airport another reason to accelerate its passenger operations. The Ugandan government has committed additional funding toward a passenger terminal, with the facility expected to support international passenger operations ahead of the tournament.
The airport's future will therefore depend on more than just oil. Tourism, business travel, cargo and international sporting events could all contribute to its traffic.
For Uganda, Kabalega could eventually become an important second aviation gateway, complementing Entebbe while bringing international aviation closer to the western part of the country.
What Comes Next
Despite the first passenger flights, Kabalega International Airport isn't at the end of its journey yet. The passenger terminal and other operational requirements still have to be completed and brought into service. Officials now say President Yoweri Museveni will formally commission the airport in January 2027, after several delays to a project first due for completion in 2023.
The first landings, however, are a significant milestone. An airport that was once primarily associated with Uganda's oil ambitions has now welcomed its first international soccer team.
From oil and gas to soccer and tourism, Kabalega International Airport is becoming part of a much bigger story for Uganda. If the airport successfully transitions into a fully operational international gateway, it could play an important role in connecting western Uganda to the rest of Africa and beyond.
