Kasese, Uganda — In a landmark development, Kasese Airport is set for a major upgrade following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Government of Uganda and China State Engineering Construction Company.
The agreement will see the Chinese firm pre-finance and execute the transformation of the facility into an international airport.
The MoU was signed by Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, Uganda’s Minister of Works and Transport, and senior representatives from the Chinese construction company. The project begins with a review of the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) master plan, followed by the development of final designs.
“Kasese Airport will soon be a key international gateway,” said Susan Kataike, Head of Communications at the Ministry of Works and Transport, in a statement shared on X.
Strategic Location, Big Potential
Located just 4 km from Kasese town in western Uganda, the airport currently serves chartered and private flights.
Nestled near iconic tourist destinations like Queen Elizabeth National Park and Rwenzori Mountains National Park, and close to the Democratic Republic of Congo, the upgrade positions Kasese as a prime hub for trade and tourism.
Current Specs and Planned Improvements
- Runway: Grass surface (01/19), 1,750 meters long
- Navigation: Windsock and non-directional beacon (NDB)
- Limitations: No air traffic control, no fire & rescue, limited customs and immigration on arrangement
These limitations will be addressed during the international upgrade phase, with full modernization planned to meet international aviation standards.
Economic and Regional Impact
The upgraded airport is expected to:
- Increase regional trade and cross-border commerce
- Attract more international tourists to the western corridor
- Improve connectivity to Uganda’s less accessible areas
- Support regional integration and economic growth
This is part of Uganda’s broader strategy to strengthen infrastructure and unlock the economic potential of underserved regions.
