History Made: Kabalega International Airport Receives First Passenger Flights

Hoima, Uganda – September 27, 2026

Uganda’s long-awaited Kabalega International Airport in Hoima District marked a major milestone on Sunday morning when it officially began receiving passenger flights.

An Eagle Air Uganda twin-engine Let L-410 Turbolet touched down at approximately 9:00 AM, carrying officials from the Confederation of African Football (CAF), FIFA, and the AFCON Local Organising Committee. The landing represents the first passenger aircraft operation at the facility, which was primarily developed to support the country’s emerging oil and gas industry.

Additional Uganda Airlines charter flights carrying the Ugandan national team (the Cranes) and the Libyan national team are scheduled to arrive ahead of Tuesday’s international match at Hoima City Stadium.

State Minister for Transport and Works Fred Byamukama highlighted the significance of the moment, noting that fully operationalising the airport will drastically improve mobility in the region and drive substantial economic growth. Officials organised the flights in part to demonstrate the airport’s readiness.

Strategic Importance for Oil and AFCON 2027

Kabalega International Airport (also referred to as Hoima International Airport) is located in Kabaale Parish, Buseruka Sub-county, Hoima District, near the Kaiso-Tonya oil fields and the planned Uganda Oil Refinery. It forms a key part of the infrastructure supporting the Albertine Graben’s petroleum developments, including the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) and the Kabalega Industrial Park.

The airport features a 3.5-kilometre asphalt runway capable of handling large cargo aircraft, an apron that can accommodate multiple large planes simultaneously, a cargo terminal, fire station, and other essential facilities. Construction began around 2018–2019, with Phase 1 (focused on cargo and logistics for the oil sector) reaching near-completion in recent months after various delays.

Beyond oil logistics, the airport is expected to boost agriculture, tourism, and trade in western Uganda. Its role has taken on added urgency as Uganda prepares to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with Kenya and Tanzania. Hoima is one of the host cities, and authorities have accelerated passenger terminal works to support team arrivals, officials, and fans.

The airport is named in honour of Omukama Kabalega of Bunyoro, the 19th-century king renowned for his resistance against colonial forces.

Looking Ahead

While the first passenger landings mark an important step, full commercial operations and expanded passenger facilities are still being finalised as part of ongoing Phase 2 works. Once fully operational, Kabalega is positioned to become Uganda’s second international airport after Entebbe, easing pressure on the main hub and opening new connectivity for the oil-rich western region.

Sunday’s historic landings signal that Uganda’s investment in aviation infrastructure is beginning to deliver tangible results—linking the country’s energy future with its sporting ambitions and broader economic transformation.