Kasese Airport Set for Upgrade to International Status in New Uganda-China Deal

Kasese — Kasese Airport is poised for a major transformation after the Government of Uganda signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China State Engineering Construction Company to upgrade the facility into an international airport.

The MoU was signed by the Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, and representatives from the Chinese construction giant, with the company set to prefinance the construction project.

According to Ms. Susan Kataike, Head of Communications at the Ministry of Works and Transport, the Chinese firm will begin by reviewing the existing Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) master plan before developing final designs for the upgraded airport.

“Kasese Airport will soon be a key international gateway,” Kataike said via her official X (formerly Twitter) handle. ” Once completed, the project  is expected to boost trade and tourism in the region.”

Kasese Airport, located in western Uganda near the scenic Rwenzori Mountains, currently serves general aviation, including charter and private flights.

The facility is situated about 4 kilometres from Kasese town and is managed by the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority. It has a grass-surfaced runway (01/19) measuring 1,750 meters in length and is equipped with basic navigational aids, including a windsock and NDB (non-directional beacon).

Though services like fuel, immigration, and customs are available on arrangement, the airport currently lacks air traffic control and fire and rescue capabilities—shortcomings expected to be addressed in the international upgrade.

The upgrade is seen as a strategic move to position Kasese as a regional tourism and trade hub, given its proximity to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Rwenzori Mountains National Park, and the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Once completed, the international airport is expected to improve connectivity to western Uganda, support regional integration, and open up new economic opportunities for the people of Kasese and surrounding areas.