If So, Give Jinja Too International Airport!
SIR— In his speech on January 2, President Yoweri Museveni spelled out government plans to build two international airports at Ntungamo and Kasese. <br>
SIR— In his speech on January 2, President Yoweri Museveni spelled out government plans to build two international airports at Ntungamo and Kasese.
He said the Government
may upgrade Arua and Soroti airports to international
status.
He later confirmed the plans at a meeting of MPs from western Uganda.
While this is an ambitious and commendable plan, sadly it does not include Jinja Airport. The Government should include the renovation and upgrading of Jinja Airport in its aviation master plan, to facilitate exports, stimulate economic growth and ease transport problems.
It is strategically located at Kimaka on the outskirts of Jinja town. It is easily accessible to people
from central and eastern Uganda and would be ideal as a regional air traffic hub. Jinja currently has three
of the country’s largest fish processing plants. An international airport in Jinja would help in the facilitation of the fish exports.
Jinja Airport could also be used to relieve Entebbe International Airport of excess traffic. It could be developed as a cargo terminal while Entebbe International Airport remains a passengers terminal. Alternatively it could be developed as both a cargo and passenger terminal. Air passengers from Jinja and eastern Uganda would then be saved the trouble of travelling through traffic congested Kampala on their way to Entebbe International Airport.
Being the second largest town in Uganda, Jinja has the population, business and infrastructure to support and warrant an international airport. The Government should endeavour to promote and develop Jinja as a second city. Upgrading the status of its airport would be a step in the right direction.
Majid Batambuze
Jinja
He said the Government
may upgrade Arua and Soroti airports to international
status.
He later confirmed the plans at a meeting of MPs from western Uganda.
While this is an ambitious and commendable plan, sadly it does not include Jinja Airport. The Government should include the renovation and upgrading of Jinja Airport in its aviation master plan, to facilitate exports, stimulate economic growth and ease transport problems.
It is strategically located at Kimaka on the outskirts of Jinja town. It is easily accessible to people
from central and eastern Uganda and would be ideal as a regional air traffic hub. Jinja currently has three
of the country’s largest fish processing plants. An international airport in Jinja would help in the facilitation of the fish exports.
Jinja Airport could also be used to relieve Entebbe International Airport of excess traffic. It could be developed as a cargo terminal while Entebbe International Airport remains a passengers terminal. Alternatively it could be developed as both a cargo and passenger terminal. Air passengers from Jinja and eastern Uganda would then be saved the trouble of travelling through traffic congested Kampala on their way to Entebbe International Airport.
Being the second largest town in Uganda, Jinja has the population, business and infrastructure to support and warrant an international airport. The Government should endeavour to promote and develop Jinja as a second city. Upgrading the status of its airport would be a step in the right direction.
Majid Batambuze
Jinja