The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) has announced that Entebbe International Airport is fully prepared to handle the influx of dignitaries expected for next week’s presidential swearing-in ceremony, even as the aviation sector continues to grapple with disruptions linked to instability in the Middle East.
Addressing journalists at the Uganda Media Centre on Friday, UCAA Director General Fred K. Bamwesigye said the airport had finalized all operational and logistical preparations to ensure smooth handling of Heads of State and other high-profile guests attending the event.
Bamwesigye revealed that UCAA, which chairs the Airport Subcommittee under the National Organizing Committee, has conducted dry runs and coordinated with airlines, immigration, customs, security agencies, ground handlers and fuel suppliers to guarantee seamless arrivals and departures.
“We are pleased to report that Entebbe International Airport is fully prepared to facilitate the presidential swearing-in ceremony,” Bamwesigye said.
He noted that special arrangements have been made at the airport’s VVIP section, including renovations, furnishing and branding, while additional aircraft parking space has also been secured to accommodate increased traffic during the event.
However, Bamwesigye said Uganda’s aviation industry has recently experienced significant setbacks following disruptions in Middle East airspace that began in February this year.
According to UCAA, several airlines operating routes between Entebbe and the Middle East, including Emirates, Flydubai, Air Arabia, Qatar Airways and Uganda Airlines, temporarily suspended flights before gradually resuming operations.
The disruptions contributed to increased ticket prices and declining passenger and cargo traffic through Entebbe International Airport.
UCAA statistics show that international arrivals between January and March 2026 dropped by 7.9 percent from 260,434 passengers in 2025 to 239,850 passengers this year. International departures also declined by 8.5 percent from 290,594 to 265,941 passengers.
Cargo exports recorded an even sharper decline of 28.9 percent, falling from 10,534 metric tonnes to 7,490 metric tonnes, while imports reduced by 9 percent.
Despite the downturn, aircraft movements rose by 7.7 percent from 7,817 to 8,420, while over flights increased by 2.6 percent, an indication that Uganda’s airspace remains strategically important to regional aviation.
Bamwesigye noted that March 2026 was the most affected month, with cargo exports plunging by 45.2 percent compared to March last year.
He added that passenger traffic slightly recovered in April 2026, with the airport recording 189,130 international passengers, about 4,930 more than in April 2025.
Meanwhile, UCAA also announced the commencement of Hijja pilgrimage operations through Entebbe International Airport.
Pilgrims are expected to depart between May 8 and May 20 aboard airlines including Flynas, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Air Arabia, Ethiopian Airline and Flydubai.
UCAA warned travelers to expect heavier traffic at the airport during the pilgrimage season and advised passengers to arrive early to avoid delays.
The authority also said airport staff vehicles would temporarily be relocated to parking areas near the control tower to create more space for pilgrims and accompanying relatives.
