Jinja: In a major boost to the tourism industry in Jinja, President Yoweri Museveni on Friday, January 24, 2025, launched the construction of the Kimaka Airfield, a project expected to increase tourist arrivals in the region.
The airfield, which has been dormant for decades, will be upgraded to accommodate private jets and other aircraft, providing tourists with a convenient and direct route to Jinja.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, President Museveni emphasized the importance of developing the country’s aviation sector, noting that it would play a crucial role in promoting tourism and economic growth.
“The upgrade of the Kimaka Airfield is a significant milestone in our efforts to develop the tourism industry in Jinja,” President Museveni said. He added, “We expect this project will increase tourist arrivals in the region and create new opportunities for economic growth and development.”
The project, valued at 23 billion shillings, is expected to be completed within the next two years. Once finished, the airfield will be gazetted as an official entry and exit point for international flights.
Local leaders, including the former Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga, who also serves as the Kamuli District Woman Legislator, hailed the project as a game-changer for the region. She stated that it would create new opportunities for economic growth and development.
“We are grateful to the President for commissioning this project,” Kadaga said. “We expect it to have a significant impact on the local economy and create new opportunities for our people.”
The Kimaka Airfield project is part of the government’s broader efforts to develop the country’s aviation sector and promote tourism. It is also expected to create jobs and stimulate economic growth in the region.
The airfield, established in the 1950s, has largely remained dormant but will now cater to tourism, offering a convenient landing point for private jets. The upgrade will also serve as a local community benefit, with all contractors involved being Ugandan.
Minister of State for Transport, Hon. Fred Byamukama, noted that Kimaka will be gazetted as an official entry and exit point for international flights.
Kadaga, who is also the First Deputy Prime Minister of Uganda, praised the project but raised concerns about the nearby market. She appealed for support in acquiring land to expand the airfield.
President Museveni responded by praising the growth of the transport sector and emphasizing the need for continued development. He revealed plans to revive water transport and reduce reliance on road cargo transportation over the next decade. Museveni assured Kadaga that her concerns, including those related to the market, would be addressed.
In the same vein, Museveni also inaugurated the Abyssinia Steel Factory in Jinja, aimed at promoting industrialization and job creation in the region. This marks part of his four-day tour of the Busoga subregion.
