By Spy Uganda
On Friday, January 24, 2025, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni inaugurated the much-anticipated upgrade of Jinja Aerodrome’s infrastructure, a critical development under Uganda’s Civil Aviation Master Plan. This strategic move is aimed at modernizing regional aerodromes, enhancing the country’s tourism and trade potential, and positioning Jinja as a key player in East Africa’s growing aviation sector.
The project is a joint effort between Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), M/S GOFA Investments Ltd, and MG Engineers (Joint Venture), who have been entrusted with the responsibility of expanding the aerodrome’s capabilities. Once complete, Jinja Aerodrome will feature a modern tarmacked runway, taxiway, and apron, marking a significant transformation from its current gravel setup.
The upgraded runway will span 1,710 meters in length and 30 meters in width, with an additional 100-meter strip and Runway End Safety Area (RESA) on both sides, ensuring safer operations. A parallel taxiway, measuring 1,050 meters in length and 19 meters wide, will accompany a larger apron of 7,000 square meters, which will be able to accommodate up to six aircraft of the LET 410 type. This will significantly enhance Jinja’s capacity to handle more flights, supporting both domestic and international connections.
Currently, Jinja Aerodrome operates with a gravel runway of 1,680 meters and a smaller parking apron for aircraft. However, with this upgrade, the region will be better positioned to handle a variety of aviation activities, from commercial flights to pilot training.
One notable aspect of the aerodrome is its role in supporting aviation training and services. It houses the Uganda Police Air Wing’s state-of-the-art maintenance hangar and the Vine Air Flight Academy, both of which play vital roles in advancing Uganda’s aviation industry by training pilots and other aviation professionals.
At the event, Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, highlighted the need for additional land to further develop the aerodrome. She requested part of the land currently owned by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and the National Forestry Authority for future expansion, including the construction of a longer runway.
President Museveni acknowledged the request, emphasizing the strategic importance of developing Jinja into a full-fledged international airport. He proposed a 3.6-kilometer runway for the future, noting that if the land is available, the government would move forward with the expansion plans.
By improving regional airports like Jinja, Uganda aims to foster greater connectivity, stimulate tourism, and enhance trade, ultimately benefiting the wider East African community.
The event was also attended by Hon. Fred Byamukama, Minister of State for Works and Transport (Transport), and other key government officials, all of whom are committed to advancing Uganda’s aviation sector.
