The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) is steadfast in its commitment to bolstering aviation infrastructure, recognizing its pivotal role in driving national tourism and trade. Olive B. Lumonya, the Deputy Director-General of UCAA, highlighted these advancements at the 6th Bi-Annual Private Sector CEO Retreat, presenting a comprehensive update on the sector's trajectory and emphasizing aviation's critical contribution to unlocking Uganda's economic potential.

Entebbe International Airport, a cornerstone of Uganda's aviation network, achieved a significant milestone in August 2025, recording its highest-ever passenger traffic. During this period, the airport registered 116,507 arrivals and 126,582 departures, culminating in a total of 243,089 international passengers. This impressive figure translates to an average of 7,841 travelers per day, successfully surpassing the previous record set just a month earlier in July 2025. Lumonya affirmed this growth as a clear indicator of Uganda's escalating prominence as both a tourism destination and a trade hub.

Further enhancing Entebbe's capacity, the new terminal building is nearing completion, standing at 98 percent. This expansion is set to dramatically increase the airport's annual passenger handling capacity from 2 million to 3.5 million, which will significantly boost the nation's connectivity and competitive edge in the regional and international aviation landscape.

Beyond Entebbe, the UCAA's infrastructure agenda encompasses a broader national strategy. Lumonya detailed that runway and terminal upgrades in Kisoro are now complete, while a new terminal in Pakuba is making substantial progress. Plans for Arua airport are also actively underway, and Gulu airport is being prepared to accommodate international flights. This strategic development in Gulu is particularly aimed at unlocking the northern tourism circuit for direct international traffic, fostering economic growth in the region.

While reaffirming UCAA's successful delivery on aviation infrastructure, Lumonya underscored the indispensable need for partnerships to fully realize Uganda's ambitious tourism goals. She extended a call to action to all stakeholders—including the government, private sector, and local communities—to collectively complement these investments. This involves actively promoting domestic tourism, enhancing accessibility to key attractions, and strategically positioning Uganda as 'the jewel of Africa' on the global stage.

The retreat, held against the picturesque backdrop of the Mountains of the Moon in Fort Portal Tourism City, served as a crucial forum for candid discussions between government officials and industry leaders. It concluded with the formulation of 16 concrete resolutions designed to transform Uganda's tourism sector. These resolutions included vital commitments to improve overall infrastructure, ensure reliable access to essential utilities, conduct reviews of tax policies impacting tourism, facilitate access to affordable and patient capital, and implement strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of negative media coverage and travel advisories.