aviation 31 August 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Jinja Airfield Gets Modern Paved Runway to Enhance Aviation
The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) has completed significant upgrades at Jinja Airfield, transforming its runway, taxiway, and apron into paved surfaces to improve safety and operational efficiency. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/ucaa-upgrades-jinja-airfield-to-paved-runway-to-boost-aviation-5578310
The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) has announced the completion of a major upgrade at Jinja Airfield, marking a significant step in modernizing the nation’s aviation infrastructure. The project involved paving the airfield’s runway, taxiway, and apron, transitioning them from their previous gravel state to a contemporary, robust surface.
This enhancement is a key component of the National Civil Aviation Master Plan, an ambitious initiative aimed at upgrading regional aerodromes to foster greater connectivity across Uganda. Officials anticipate that the new paved runway will substantially improve the safety, reliability, and overall efficiency of operations at Jinja Airfield.
Vianney Luggya, UCAA Public Affairs Manager, highlighted that these improvements are expected to not only benefit aviation activities but also to strengthen regional air connectivity. The modernized facility is anticipated to make air travel to Jinja more convenient for business travelers, tourists, and other users, thereby supporting the region’s tourism and trade sectors.
Jinja Airfield plays a crucial role in aviation training, hosting the Vine Air Flight Academy. It also serves as a strategic location for the Uganda Police Force Airwing and houses an Approved Maintenance Organisation (AMO). The upgrade aligns with broader regional efforts to enhance air connectivity around Lake Victoria.
This development at Jinja Airfield is part of a larger program by UCAA to upgrade various aerodromes. Previous projects include runway resurfacing at Kisoro Airfield, and ongoing work on a new terminal building there. Additionally, plans are underway to upgrade Kidepo Airfield to international standards and feasibility studies are being conducted for the expansion of Kasese Aerodrome.
These collective upgrades aim to boost tourism, trade, and investment in various regions of Uganda, supplementing the capabilities of Entebbe International Airport and the upcoming Kabaale International Airport.