President Yoweri Museveni has announced plans to construct a new international airport in southwestern Uganda, a move aimed at easing access to the country’s iconic gorilla-tracking destinations and boosting tourism revenues.
The President made the remarks on Friday, 6th February, 2026, while presiding over the 45th Tarehe Sita celebrations at the National Teachers’ College (NTC) Kabale playground, accompanied by First Lady Janet Kataaha Museveni.
He revealed that the government will expand Kisoro Airstrip and build a larger airport on land donated by businessman Amos Nzeyi, in partnership with investors from the United Arab Emirates.
“We are going to expand Kisoro Airport, and build a large new airport right here. For this reason, I want to thank Amos, who generously provided land for this project. Together with the Ruler of Sharjah, we will construct a major international airport so tourists can fly directly here, without having to drive all the way from Entebbe,” President Museveni said.
The President also emphasized the broader regional development benefits of the airport.
“This area is going to develop around tourism. It is already developing, but it will develop even more,” he said.
Officials said the project will shorten travel times to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, both near Uganda’s borders with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Tourism experts also said the airport announcement could boost visitor numbers to Uganda’s gorilla parks, which remain a major source of foreign exchange for the country.
Syvia Tumwesigye , a tourism expert said that tourists traveling to see gorillas often face long journeys from Entebbe, and direct flights to southwestern Uganda could greatly improve convenience and enhance the visitor experience.
“Tourists will not have to spend hours on the road from Entebbe anymore. This airport once established will make visiting the gorillas much easier and more enjoyable,” Tumwesigye said.
Uganda has invested heavily in aviation infrastructure in recent years, upgrading Entebbe International Airport and regional airstrips in Kasese, Arua, and Kidepo.
Authorities say improved connectivity is key for recovering tourism receipts, which the government targets at over $2 billion annually in the medium term.
While details on the project’s cost, timeline, and financing have not yet been released, the planned airport represents a major step in boosting Uganda’s tourism sector, promising shorter travel times, greater convenience for visitors, and new opportunities for regional development.
