SBC finally sets October for commissioning of Kabalega International Airport

Hoima | The Kabalega International Airport (KIA) contractor, SBC, has finally set October, 2026 for the commissioning of the project.

In 2018, the construction works commenced.

Speaking to tndNews, Uganda, Amos Muriisa, the Public Relations Officer, SBC Uganda Ltd, said the Kabalega International Airport is expected to be completed in August and commissioned on October 31, 2026.

Muriisa noted that the project which currently stands at 98 percent progress, lacks only the Air Traffic Control Tower, a structure which is an essential component in running an airport.

He noted that despite the delay, they already have the Air Traffic Control Tower system on site with engineers working to have it fixed.

“We already have the ‘Air Traffic Control Tower’ system on site and the engineers are working on it … .this is the only component that hindered the completion of the Airport because of the procurement process,” Muriisa said.

“So, this control tower arrived about two months ago,” he added.

The contract, which has run for eight years, was initially supposed to last for three years.

However, Muriisa attributed the delay to a couple of factors including financial constraints and Covid-19 pandemic which destabilised the country’s economic activities, among others.

Kabalega International Airport sits on a total land area of approximately 29 square kilometers (11 square miles) in Kabaale parish.

Beatrice Wembabazi, the Hoima District Woman Member of Parliament has advised the people of Bunyoro to position themselves for the opportunities that will come along with the construction of the Airport and AFCON.

Rogers Mbabazi, Hoima district RDC, commended the government for constructing the airport in the district, saying it will help foster economic development in the country.

He has asked the investors to utilise the oil and gas projects by coming to invest in the area.

Kabalega International Airport is one of Uganda’s crucial infrastructures ahead of AFCON in 2027.