In an interview on NBS’s Morning Breeze show, the Minister of Works and Transport, Gen Edward Katumba Wamala, has revealed that Entebbe International Airport will undergo significant upgrades, including the construction of a second terminal, set to be completed by July 2024.
Refuting claims that the airport developments were primarily prompted by the upcoming Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) summit, Gen Katumba clarified that these plans were already in progress before the summit was announced. The expansion projects at Entebbe Airport have been divided into different phases, with Phase One focusing on completing the second terminal.
During the show, the Minister elaborated on the extent of the infrastructure upgrades, explaining that both arrival and departure areas were part of the improvement plans. Originally, these projects were expected to span over a two-year duration. However, by enlisting the support of the Uganda Peoples Defense Forces (UPDF), the construction was completed in less than a year.
“These were activities that were planned to make sure the airport meets international standards, and it has been done,” said Gen Katumba.
He further recalled the challenges faced during the 2007 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), where the airport struggled to accommodate the numerous delegation aircraft. Hence, decision-makers resolved to embark on expanding Entebbe Airport, leading to its current capacity to conveniently host up to 100 planes.
As Entebbe International Airport prepares to celebrate its completion of the initial phase of upgrades, aviation enthusiasts and travelers alike eagerly await its renewed facilities and services. With the Minister’s assurance of continued infrastructure development, it is evident that the government remains steadfast in its commitment to expanding and modernizing critical national assets.
