Entebbe Airport ready for Museveni swearing-in guests - UCAA

Entebbe International Airport is fully prepared to facilitate the arrival and departure of foreign dignitaries expected for President Yoweri Museveni’s swearing-in ceremony next week, the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) has announced.

Speaking on Thursday at the Uganda Media Center in Kampala, UCAA Director General Fred Bamwesigye said the airport, Uganda’s main international gateway, has finalized operational plans to ensure smooth and dignified handling of the high-level visitors.

“I am pleased to report that the airport is fully prepared, and UCAA has been working in close coordination with all relevant government stakeholders to ensure smooth, seamless, and dignified facilitation,” MrBamwesigye said.

Adding, “As the nation’s primary gateway and first point of entry for international visitors, Entebbe International Airport will play a central role in the arrival and departure of dignitaries attending the ceremony,”

President Museveni is set to be sworn in for the seventh elective term in office on Tuesday next week. The organizing committee had earlier this week revealed that about 35 heads of state had confirmed attending the swearing-in fete to be held at Kololo ceremonial grounds.

Mr Bamwesigye further said in his update communication that UCAA, which chairs the Airport Subcommittee under the National Organising Committee for the event, had carried out dry runs on April 24 and May 4 to test the preparedness of airport operations.

According to Mr Bamwesigye, the preparations are built around three key areas, including facilitation of arrivals and departures, infrastructure readiness, and coordination among airport stakeholders.

He said the airport has secured adequate parking space for additional aircraft expected during the ceremony, while renovation and furnishing works have been completed in selected areas, particularly the VVIP terminal used for receiving Heads of State and official delegations.

UCAA has also coordinated with airlines, ground handling companies, fuel suppliers, immigration officials, customs, and security agencies to ensure seamless operations during the event.

“Airlines have been fully briefed on operational expectations, and aviation fuel suppliers have been tasked to ensure adequate stock to meet the anticipated increase in demand,” he said.

Middle East disruptions hit Entebbe traffic

The aviation regulator also revealed that disruptions in Middle East airspace earlier this year negatively affected passenger and cargo traffic through Entebbe.

Mr Bamwesigye said temporary airspace closures in parts of the Middle East from February 28 led several airlines operating routes to and from Entebbe — including Emirates, Flydubai, Air Arabia, Qatar Airways, and Uganda Airlines — to suspend flights temporarily before gradually resuming operations.

The disruptions contributed to increased ticket prices and reduced passenger and cargo traffic during the January–March 2026 quarter.

International arrivals declined by 7.9 percent from 260,434 passengers in the first quarter of 2025 to 239,850 passengers in the same period this year. Departures also dropped by 8.5 percent from 290,594 to 265,941 passengers.

Cargo exports suffered a sharper decline, falling by 28.9 percent from 10,534 metric tonnes to 7,490 metric tonnes, while imports dropped by 9 percent.

However, transit passenger traffic rose strongly by 25.2 percent to 28,035 passengers, while aircraft movements increased by 7.7 percent to 8,420 movements.

Mr Bamwesigye said the figures indicate continued interest in Uganda’s airspace despite the regional disruptions.

The impact was most severe in March 2026 when cargo exports dropped by 45.2 percent compared to March 2025.

Despite the earlier disruptions, he said April 2026 registered signs of recovery, with the airport handling 189,130 international passengers, an increase of 4,930 passengers compared to April 2025.

Hajj travel season begins

Meanwhile, UCAA announced that departures for Ugandan pilgrims travelling to Mecca for the annual Hijja pilgrimage began on Friday and will continue until May 20.

The authority warned travellers to expect heavier traffic at the airport during the pilgrimage season and advised passengers to arrive early to avoid delays.

“We strongly advise all departing passengers travelling during this period to plan ahead and allow additional time for check-in and other airport processes to avoid inconvenience or the risk of missing their flights. In order for us to maintain orderly traffic flow within the airport, additional accompanying vehicles may be redirected where necessary, and we appreciate the public's understanding in this regard,” he said

The first group of pilgrims is set to depart Friday (today) aboard Flynas, while subsequent flights will be operated by Emirates, Qatar Airways, Air Arabia, Ethiopian Airlines, and Flydubai.

Two chartered flights carrying approximately 385 and 250 passengers are also scheduled for May 18 and May 20, respectively.

Most pilgrims are expected to return between May 31 and June 10, according to UCAA.