As Uganda prepares to host the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and Group of 77 (G-77) + China South summits, significant upgrades to the arrival and departure units, as well as the expansion of parking space at Entebbe International Airport, are nearing completion. The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) has spearheaded these enhancements, with the terminal modification project undertaken by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Engineering Brigade. The facility is set to be commissioned and open to the public this week.
The NAM summit, scheduled to run from January 15 to January 20, will welcome over 70 heads of state from 134 countries, with an expected attendance of 1,000 to 1,500 delegates. Similarly, the G-77 conference, themed “Leaving no one behind,” will take place between January 21 and 23. To accommodate the influx of dignitaries, the UCAA has taken measures to ensure seamless arrivals and departures.
Mr. Vianney Luggya, the manager of public affairs at UCAA, highlighted key improvements, including an expanded arrivals area, a departure canopy, and enhanced parking facilities. Departing passengers will no longer need to carry their baggage from the parking area, as they can now be driven directly to the terminal. The arrivals space has been expanded to provide a more comfortable environment for delegates and passengers.
The airport’s parking aprons have been upgraded, allowing for increased capacity. Mr. Luggya stated that the airport can now accommodate between 60 and 100 aircraft, depending on their size. This substantial expansion is a part of the broader National Aviation Master Plan, aiming to enhance passenger facilitation.
The ongoing project is a precursor to the construction of a new terminal building, which is expected to be completed in July 2024, further augmenting the airport’s capacity. Multiple renovations and innovations, including Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) installations, an enlarged terminal, an expanded cargo center, a VVIP parking area, and a new search area, have been implemented to modernize the airport.
In preparation for the high-profile summits, a dry run was conducted on December 17, simulating arrival and departure processes. Various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and security agencies, participated in the exercise, ensuring a coordinated effort for the smooth flow of operations during the events.
At a stakeholder meeting on December 4, UCAA Executive Director Mr. Fred Bamwesigye assured that the airport is ready to accommodate 70 aircraft, taking into account the various sizes of planes expected. The upgrades aim to prevent interruptions to normal operations, with special teams organized to receive NAM visitors specifically.
