President Museveni launches Jinja Airfield upgrading project, paving way for regional development

President Museveni has officially launched the construction works for upgrading the Jinja Airfield, a project aimed at bolstering Uganda’s infrastructure, enhancing tourism and improving regional connectivity. The project will see the development of the airfield’s runway, taxiway, and apron into international standards. The upgrade, spearheaded by a joint venture between Gofar Investment and MJ Engineers and Contractors, commenced in 2024 and is set to be completed within 15 months. President Museveni emphasized the strategic importance of the project, highlighting Jinja’s potential as a transportation hub and a gateway for tourists. The Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga, First Deputy Prime Minister, appealed to the President for an additional 10 acres of land to further expand the airfield and accommodate the growing demands of an international airport. She noted that the people of Jinja have long dreamed of such an airport, and this project brings them closer to that vision. Hon. Fred Byamukama, State Minister for Works and Transport, emphasized the project’s potential to enhance tourism. He noted that tourists have faced challenges traveling from Kampala to Jinja by road and that this upgrade will significantly boost the tourism sector. The government has committed UGX 23 billion through the Ministry of Works and Transport to fund the airfield’s development. Hon. Byamukama assured Ugandans that the ministry is committed to ensuring the project’s timely and successful completion.