President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has endorsed plans to construct an international airport at Nyakisharara in Mbarara District, describing it as a strategic investment to drive Uganda’s economic growth, create jobs, and boost tourism and agriculture.
The President met a China-based consortium of investors and consultants at State House Entebbe on Thursday, where the project was presented by Base 7 Aviation International Academy and their consultants, Hamster Business Solutions.
According to project officials Mugabi Charles and Alexandria Judith Kyakunzire, the multi-billion-dollar investment will be delivered under a Build, Operate, and Transfer (BOT) model. Three firms will spearhead the project: Hunan Construction and Investment Engineering Company will handle construction, China Southwest Architectural Design and Research Institute will manage feasibility and design, while Blackrock Uwekeza will finance and operate the airport.
President Museveni welcomed the proposal and directed the consortium to coordinate with government technical teams to fast-track the project. He emphasized that Uganda needs a modern airport in western Uganda to unlock new trade and tourism opportunities.
“This airport is important for our economy, our people, and our future. We must make it an iconic project that supports jobs, agriculture, and tourism, while preserving the environment,” the President said.
Bethuel Macharia of Blackrock Uwekeza confirmed the company’s readiness to finance the entire project, calling it a catalyst for “significant economic growth” in Uganda.
Consultants Eddie Kisitu and Abubakar Kaseruuzi of Hamster Business Solutions outlined the wider benefits, including positioning Uganda as a key transit hub for routes between Latin America, China, Indonesia, and Australia. They projected that the airport could triple Uganda’s economic output once operational.
The facility is expected to open by 2030 under the President’s “Party and Term Oriented Delivery” initiative.
