Uganda to get second international airport

Uganda is set to have its second international airport, Kabaale International Airport, thanks to a joint venture between a UK company Colas and local company SBC Uganda that are set to spear head the construction process.

A proposal to this effect was submitted by the UK Company Colas and SBI Uganda  team to Monica Azuba Ntege, the minister for Works and Transport, in the presence of Uganda's Attorney General, William Byaruhanga and the British Deputy High Commissioner Mary Shockledge.  

In an interview with Eng. Tony Kavuma the Project Coordinator at the ministry was hesitant to give details on the project saying the final process is yet to be done.

 Kavuma however said the project was likely to kick off next year. "A substantial amount of land has already been procured and an environmental impact assessment has been done as well," he said.

Shockledge stressed the importance the UK government attaches to supporting UK companies operating in developing markets such as Uganda.

She also commended Colas UK saying it was a reputable firm that has delivered similar projects on time and within the budget, meeting high environmental and social safeguarding standards.

The Kabale International Airport project is expected to offer immediate benefits in facilitating the movement of materials and manpower for the development of the oil sector in Hoima district, and the Western Uganda region in general. 

In the longer term, there are expected to be wider benefits for the development of tourism and agriculture in the region.