President Yoweri Museveni has approved plans for the construction of a major international airport at Nyakisharara in Mbarara District, marking a significant expansion of Uganda’s aviation infrastructure.
The proposed airport will be developed at the existing Nyakisharara airdrome, located about 10 kilometres from Mbarara along the Mbarara–Ibanda road.
A Strategic Global Gateway
In a directive dated February 11, 2026, Museveni instructed the Prime Minister and senior government officials to support Base Seven Company in implementing what he described as a “mega transport project” at and around the government aerodrome.
The President said the airport could serve as a strategic refuelling and transit hub between South America and Asia, particularly between Brazil and China. He argued that routing flights through Nyakisharara could significantly reduce travel time compared to current routes passing over Europe.
Project Scope and Model
The airport is expected to:
Cover approximately 21 square kilometres
Feature two main runways of about 5.5 km each
Include a 3.7 km VIP runway
Be funded under a Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) model before eventual government takeover
The directive also calls for relocating the existing Ibanda–Mbarara public road eastward to accommodate the development. Key ministries — including Works and Transport, Lands, Finance, and the Attorney-General’s office — are expected to oversee various aspects of implementation.
Parallel Development: Kabalega International Airport
The Nyakisharara project comes as Uganda prepares to commission Kabalega International Airport in Hoima District. The facility, under construction since 2018, is nearing completion and is expected to support Uganda’s oil and gas sector in the Albertine region.
Kabalega features a 3.5 km paved runway designed to handle large cargo aircraft and will serve logistics, agriculture, tourism, and broader economic activity.
Boosting Uganda’s Aviation Capacity
If completed as envisioned, the Nyakisharara airport would significantly expand Uganda’s international aviation footprint, positioning western Uganda as a potential intercontinental transit hub.
The move signals government ambition to strengthen regional connectivity, attract global trade routes, and enhance the country’s role in international air transport networks.
