Entebbe braces for VIP surge ahead of swearing-in

ENTEBBE — At Uganda’s main international gateway, preparations are intensifying ahead of President Yoweri Museveni’s swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday (May 12), with Entebbe International Airport expected to handle an unusual surge in diplomatic traffic, chartered aircraft and high-level delegations.

For airport officials, the challenge is not simply about receiving passengers. It is about managing one of the country’s most sensitive logistical operations, ensuring heads of state, ministers, diplomats and other invited guests move through Uganda’s busiest airport smoothly, securely and without disruption.

Speaking at the Uganda Media Centre on May 8, Uganda Civil Aviation Authority Director General Fred K. Bamwesigye said the airport was fully prepared for the event following weeks of coordinated planning involving multiple government agencies. 

“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,” Bamwesigye said. 

The swearing-in ceremony, scheduled for May 12, is expected to draw a large number of foreign delegations and official guests, placing temporary pressure on airport operations that already manage thousands of passengers daily.

To prepare, UCAA says it has developed and tested a detailed operational plan through simulation exercises, commonly known as “dry runs,” conducted on April 24 and May 4. These rehearsals were designed to test how different categories of delegates would be received, processed and transported upon arrival. 

For ordinary travellers using Entebbe during this period, the preparations could translate into tighter security, increased coordination and possible changes in airport movement patterns.

Airport infrastructure has also undergone targeted upgrades.

According to Bamwesigye, renovation works, branding and furnishing improvements have been completed in several areas, particularly within the VVIP facility that receives heads of state and senior delegations.

Additional parking space has also been created to accommodate aircraft expected beyond routine daily operations. 

In practical terms, that means Entebbe is preparing not only for more passengers but also for more aircraft movements than usual, including official government jets and chartered flights.

Behind the scenes, coordination has become one of the biggest tasks.

UCAA says it has been working closely with airlines, ground handling companies, immigration officials, customs officers, fuel suppliers and security agencies to ensure operations remain uninterrupted during the ceremony period.

Fuel suppliers, in particular, have been instructed to maintain adequate aviation fuel stocks to avoid shortages caused by the anticipated increase in flight activity. 

The preparations highlight the strategic importance of Entebbe International Airport beyond ordinary commercial travel.

As Uganda’s main aviation hub, the airport serves as the country’s first physical impression to international visitors and diplomatic guests. During high-profile state events such as presidential inaugurations, airport operations become closely tied to national image, protocol and security management.

The developments also come at a time when Uganda’s aviation sector is navigating broader operational pressures linked to global disruptions and changing passenger trends.

Despite recent challenges affecting international travel, Entebbe remains one of East Africa’s busiest and fastest-growing regional airports.

Officials say maintaining smooth operations during major events is essential not only for convenience, but also for Uganda’s international reputation and investor confidence.

For travellers, however, the coming days are likely to require patience.

Large delegations, heightened security screening and increased aircraft traffic may affect movement around the airport precinct and surrounding roads.

Authorities have not announced any closures, but officials are encouraging passengers to plan their journeys carefully and arrive earlier than usual.

Bamwesigye said UCAA’s goal is to ensure “smooth, seamless, and dignified facilitation” throughout the event period.