Uganda is set to embark on the construction of a major international airport in Mbarara District, as a consortium of international and local partners unveils plans for Nyakisharara International Airport — a transformative infrastructure project poised to turn western Uganda into a regional powerhouse for trade, tourism, and agriculture.
The project proposal was formally presented to President Yoweri Museveni at State House Entebbe on Thursday by representatives of Base 7 Aviation International Academy and their consultants, Hamster Business Solutions.
President Museveni welcomed the initiative, describing the proposed facility as an “iconic international airport” that will bolster Uganda’s global connectivity and generate thousands of jobs. He emphasized its alignment with national development priorities, calling it “timely” for Uganda’s growth trajectory.
“This airport is timely. It will not only connect Mbarara to the world but also anchor Uganda’s long-term vision of industrial growth, tourism promotion, and agricultural expansion,” Museveni said.
The consortium is spearheaded by Mr. Mugabi Charles and Ms. Alexandria Judith Kyakunzire, who outlined a three-pronged implementation strategy. Construction will be managed by Hunan Construction and Investment Engineering Company, feasibility studies and design will be undertaken by the China Southwest Architectural Design and Research Institute, while Blackrock Uwekeza will finance and operate the airport under a Build, Operate, and Transfer (BOT) model.
Addressing the President, Mr. Bethuel Macharia, representing Blackrock Uwekeza, confirmed the consortium’s readiness to fully fund the project. He highlighted its potential to deliver significant economic returns, attract international carriers, and expand Uganda’s aviation routes to key global markets such as Latin America, China, Indonesia, and Australia.
Consultants Eddie Kisitu and Abubakar Kaseruuzi noted that the project’s strategic location in Mbarara will enhance Uganda’s competitiveness and unlock billions in potential revenue annually through expanded trade, tourism, and logistics.
President Museveni instructed the consortium to coordinate with relevant government technical teams to ensure alignment with Uganda’s long-term development goals. He also emphasized the importance of environmental protection, urging the team to integrate sustainability measures into the project design.
The President further called attention to the historic significance of Nyakisharara, encouraging developers to preserve the area’s cultural heritage even as they modernize its infrastructure.
The airport is expected to be completed by 2030, under the government’s Party and Term Oriented Delivery initiative, and is projected to triple Uganda’s economic output, boost export capacity, and accelerate industrialization in the western region. Once operational, Nyakisharara International Airport is set to become a major transit and cargo hub, redefining Uganda’s place in the global economy.
