As you may be aware, Uganda is preparing for the swearing-in ceremony of His Excellency the President next week, and a number of high-level guests are expected into the country. 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. I am pleased to report that the airport is fully prepared, and UCAA has been working in close coordination with all relevant government stakeholders to ensure smooth, seamless, and dignified facilitation.
UCAA is a member of the National Organising Committee and chairs the Airport Subcommittee. Our preparedness is anchored on three key pillars:
- Smooth Facilitation of Arrivals and Departures: A comprehensive operational plan was developed and validated through dry runs conducted on April 24 and May 4, 2026. The plan provides detailed protocols for handling the different categories of delegates expected.
- Airport Infrastructure: All necessary infrastructure is in place, including adequate parking for additional aircraft beyond routine operations. Renovation works, furnishings, and branding have been undertaken in select areas, notably the VVIP facility, which serves as the primary reception area for Heads of State and their delegations.
iii. Stakeholder Coordination: UCAA continues to coordinate all airport stakeholders, including airlines, ground handlers, fuel operators, security, customs, and immigration. Airlines have been fully briefed on operational expectations, and aviation fuel suppliers have been tasked to ensure adequate stock to meet the anticipated increase in demand, ensuring no disruptions or risk of scarcity.
Industry Developments: Impact of Middle East Airspace Disruptions
Turning to broader industry developments, global aviation was significantly disrupted following the temporary closure of airspace in parts of the Middle East beginning February 28, 2026. Uganda was not spared. Several airlines operating Middle East routes from Entebbe, including Emirates, Fly Dubai, Air Arabia, Qatar Airways, and Uganda Airlines temporarily suspended flights before resuming operations in phases. These airlines continue to closely monitor the situation and adjust their schedules accordingly. The disruptions had a considerable impact on passenger and cargo traffic through Entebbe, contributing to increased ticket costs and reduced revenues across the sector.
While passenger traffic at Entebbe International Airport had been steadily rising over recent years, the January to March 2026 quarter recorded an unprecedented decline compared to the same period in 2025. International arrivals fell by 7.9%, from 260,434 to 239,850 passengers. Similarly, international departures declined by 8.5%, from 290,594 to 265,941 passengers.
Transit passenger traffic, however, recorded strong growth of 25.2%, rising from 22,394 to 28,035 passengers.
Cargo exports declined sharply by 28.9%, from 10,534 in 2025 to 7,490 metric tonnes in the same quarter of 2026, while imports fell by 9%, from 4,932 to 4,490 metric tonnes.
Notably, despite the decline in passenger and cargo traffic, aircraft movements increased by 7.7%, from 7,817 to 8,420 movements, and overflights grew by 2.6%, from 6,258 to 6,423, an indication of continued interest in Uganda’s airspace.
The impact was most pronounced in March 2026. Cargo exports fell by 45.2% compared to March 2025, dropping from 3,886 to 2,130 metric tonnes, while imports declined by 30.3%, from 1,965 to 1,369 metric tonnes. International departures decreased by 8.6%, from 94,150 to 86,033 passengers, though international arrivals posted a modest recovery of 2.7%, rising from 82,750 to 85,020 passengers.
A detailed summary of this performance will be available in the document to be circulated to you.
April 2026 recorded 94,320 arriving and 94,810 departing passengers, a total of 189,130 international passengers and an average of 6,304 per day. This represents a slight increase of 4,930 more passengers than was recorded in the same month of 2025.
However, there was a drastic decline in cargo traffic, which recorded 3,389 metric tones of exports and 1,434 metric tones of imports, a total of 4,823 metric tones of cargo in April 2026, compared to 6,098 metric tones recorded in April 2025, a deficit of 1,275 metric tones.
Hijja Pilgrimage Operations
Finally, I wish to advise the travelling public that Uganda’s Hijja pilgrims will be departing for Mecca through Entebbe International Airport from today, May 8, until May 20, 2026. As is the practice during this period, significantly higher passenger volumes and accompanying persons are expected at the airport.
We strongly advise all departing passengers travelling during this period to plan ahead and allow additional time for check-in and other airport processes to avoid inconvenience or the risk of missing their flights. In order for us to maintain orderly traffic flow within the airport, additional accompanying vehicles may be redirected where necessary, and we appreciate the public’s understanding in this regard.
The first group of pilgrims departing today will travel aboard Fly NAS, with subsequent departures on Emirates, Qatar Airways, Air Arabia, Ethiopian Airlines, and Fly Dubai, among others. Charter flights carrying approximately 385 and 250 passengers are also planned for May 18, and May 20, 2026, respectively. The majority of pilgrims are expected to return between May 31 and June 10, 2026.
During this period, we have advised airport staff to utilize the car parking near the control tower so as to create space for the likely increase in passenger and accompanying persons traffic.
We wish all pilgrims a safe and comfortable journey through Entebbe International Airport and a truly blessed pilgrimage.
Thank you
By Fred Bamwesigye
Managing Director
Uganda Civil Aviation Authority
