Gov’t Approves Mega International Airport at Nyakyisharara

President Yoweri K. Museveni has directed the government to support Base Seven Company in developing a major international airport at Nyakyisharara, near Mbarara, transforming the existing aerodrome into a “mega” transport hub.

In a Feb 11, 2026, letter to Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, the President wrote: “I am writing to direct you and all the concerned Government departments, to help a Company known as ‘Base Seven Company’ to implement a mega transport project at and around the Government Aerodrome of Nyakyisharara, near Mbarara.”

The airport is planned to cover 21 square kilometers, with two runways each measuring 5.5 kilometers, and a 3.7-kilometer reserve runway for VIP flights. The project will follow a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model, allowing the company to operate the airport before transferring it to the government after an agreed period.

President Museveni explained the strategic reasoning behind the project: “Why such a big airport at the hitherto remote area of Uganda? It is all on account of the hitherto unknown factor of the way the Globe was arranged by God and the new phenomenon of the unfolding global affluence… Two parts of the Globe are very crucial in connection with this issue. These are: Latin America, especially Brazil, and China. These two zones of the Globe are now trading and communicating with one another. However, their route of communication is wholly irrational and uneconomic… Yet, if somebody were to come from Brazil, refuel at Nyakyisharara, it would take him 20 hours of flying time.”

The project will also include hotels and the relocation of the Ibanda-Mbarara road. President Museveni directed officials to coordinate with the company on road alignment, asking, “Agree with them. Should it be Bwizibweera – Makoonje – Kaigoshoora – Kyamugorani road or what?”

Government ministries involved include Works and Transport, Lands, Finance, and the Office of the Attorney General, while local authorities in Mbarara City will assist in land coordination.

“The Company will use their own money to do the developments and recover that money by charging the users of the Airport and the accompanying facilities, such as the hotels they will build there,” the President added, emphasizing the project’s financial independence.

Copies of the directive were also sent to the Vice President, relevant ministries, and Mbarara City officials, as well as Base Seven Company.