Museveni commissions construction of Kimaka Airfield
Byamukama noted that the development would benefit the local community, as all contractors involved in the project are Ugandans.
Jinja: In a significant event on Friday, President Museveni has commissioned the construction works for the upgrade of the runway and taxiway at Jinja Aerodrome in Kimaka, marking a significant milestone in Uganda’s aviation sector.
The airfield, which dates back to the early 1950s and was originally established by the colonial administration, has remained largely dormant over the years. However, it has recently been used as a training ground for the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).
Now, with the expansion, the airfield is set to cater to tourism, offering a convenient landing point for private jets. Until now, many tourists have had to land in Entebbe, but with the airfield’s upgrade, they will be able to fly directly into Jinja, increasing tourism flow into the region.
Minister of State for Transport, Hon. Fred Byamukama, highlighted that the government is not only reviving airfields in Jinja but across the entire country.
He emphasized that Kimaka would be gazetted as an official entry and exit point for international flights, with 23 billion shillings already invested in the project.
Byamukama noted that the development would benefit the local community, as all contractors involved in the project are Ugandans.
Rebecca Kadaga, the former Speaker of Parliament, praised the efforts to revive the airfield and stressed that the region would experience significant development as a result. She also raised concerns about the Amber Court Road and the nearby market, which has around 4,000 vendors.
Kadaga noted that since the market was established, the land title had not yet been provided.
Additionally, Kadaga appealed to President Museveni for support in acquiring land from the Ministry of Agriculture, which she described as dormant, to expand the airfield area to three kilometers.
She also requested that government-owned forestry land in Busowoko and Itanda be used to develop an international airport in Jinja.
Kadaga further advocated for assistance to local farmers, requesting modern agricultural equipment to boost productivity in the region.
In response, President Museveni praised the ongoing growth in the transport sector and emphasized the need for continued development, including separating cargo movement from road transport by shifting it to railways to ease traffic congestion.
He revealed plans to revive water transport, with the aim of reducing road cargo transportation over the next 10 years.
Museveni explained that tourists and visitors often do not have the time to travel long distances by road, which is why the expansion of airfields, including the one in Jinja, is crucial.
He also pointed out that since the land used for the project is government-owned, the construction of the 3.6-kilometer international-standard airport would proceed smoothly.
Regarding the issues raised by Kadaga, President Museveni assured her that he would work with her to address the concerns, including the market-related issues. He also confirmed that the contractor for the Kimaka road project would soon begin construction.
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