Entebbe Airport Ready for Museveni Swearing-In Dignitaries, 35 Heads of State Expected
By Admin
The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) has said Entebbe International Airport is fully prepared to handle the arrival and departure of high-level dignitaries expected for next week’s presidential swearing-in ceremony.
Addressing journalists at the Uganda Media Centre on Friday, UCAA Director General Fred K. Bamwesigye said the aviation sector has finalized extensive operational and logistical preparations ahead of the May 12 ceremony for President Yoweri Museveni, which expects to host about 35 heads of state from across the world.
“As the nation’s primary gateway and first point of entry for international visitors, Entebbe International Airport will play a central role in the arrival and departure of dignitaries attending the ceremony,” Bamwesigye said.
He noted that UCAA is part of the National Organising Committee and chairs the Airport Subcommittee overseeing all airport-related arrangements.
According to Bamwesigye, preparations have focused on three major areas, including smooth facilitation of arrivals and departures, airport infrastructure upgrades, and coordination among aviation stakeholders.
He said a comprehensive operational plan was developed and tested through dry runs conducted on April 24 and May 4 to ensure seamless handling of different categories of delegates expected in the country.
Bamwesigye added that renovation works, furnishing, and branding have been completed in key areas of the airport, particularly the VVIP terminal that will host heads of state and official delegations.
“All necessary infrastructure is in place, including adequate parking for additional aircraft beyond routine operations,” he said.
Director General also noted that while the authority generates revenue from airport operations, large-scale infrastructure projects still require government support through the national budget.
“Airport funding relies on collected government revenue for daily operations but requires national budget support for major infrastructure projects," he said.
"Actually, the money we collect at the airport and other aviation facilities is government money,” he said while responding to questions on financing aviation infrastructure.
The authority says the upgrades are part of broader efforts to position Entebbe International Airport as a competitive regional aviation hub while supporting tourism, trade, and investment.
The UCAA boss further revealed that airlines, ground handlers, security agencies, customs, immigration officials, and fuel suppliers have all been briefed on operational expectations ahead of the event.
“We have also tasked aviation fuel suppliers to ensure adequate stock to meet the anticipated increase in demand, ensuring no disruptions or risk of scarcity,” he added.
Uganda is expected to receive several regional and international leaders for the swearing-in ceremony, making Entebbe International Airport the focal point of the country’s diplomatic and logistical operations next week.
The swearing-in ceremony is set to run from 8 am to 2 pm and is projected to host between 30,000 and 40,000 people. Among the invited guests are Cabinet ministers, members of the 11th and 12th Parliaments, Civil servants, Uganda's Ambassadors serving the different stations across the world, members of the diplomatic corps accredited to Uganda, religious leaders, traditional and cultural leaders, and all Ugandans from all walks of life.
Related Development: UCAA Confident on AFCON Readiness
Meanwhile, UCAA Deputy Director General Olive Birungi Lumonya has expressed confidence in Uganda’s ability to manage the influx of visitors expected during the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Uganda will co-host with Kenya and Tanzania.
Speaking at the same briefing, Lumonya said Uganda has previously handled major international events successfully and possesses the experience and infrastructure required to manage continental football traffic.
“We will be in a position to manage,” Lumonya said.
She cited the recent Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit, where Entebbe International Airport handled about 1,494 international guests from 116 countries.
“If you go back further, in 2007, we had CHOGM, where we hosted around 48 countries and 36 heads of state. That was only Entebbe International Airport on its own. So we have the capacity, we are prepared, and we can actually manage AFCON,” she said.
Lumonya also revealed that the Kabalega International Airport is nearing completion and will further strengthen Uganda’s aviation capacity during the tournament.