Museveni backs China-based consortium to build Mbarara International Airport
The meeting, which took place at State House, Entebbe, saw President Museveni engage with representatives from the consortium, which aims to significantly enhance the region's economic landscape.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has held a high-level meeting with a China-based consortium proposing to construct and develop a new international airport in Nyakisharara, Mbarara district, pledging the government’s full support for what he described as a transformative infrastructure project.
The meeting, which took place at State House, Entebbe, saw President Museveni engage with representatives from the consortium, which aims to significantly enhance the region’s economic landscape.
The ambitious project was presented to the President by Base 7 Aviation International Academy and their consultants, Hamster Business Solutions. Officials from Base 7 Aviation International Academy, Mugabi Charles and Alexandria Judith Kyakunzire, outlined the collaborative structure driving the initiative.
They confirmed that Hunan Construction and Investment Engineering company will handle the construction, while China Southwest Architectural Design and Research Institute will oversee the feasibility and design phases.
Financing and operation will be managed by Blackrock Uwekeza, under a Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) model.
President Museveni warmly welcomed the group, expressing strong endorsement for the construction of what he termed an “iconic international airport” in Mbarara. He directed the consortium to coordinate closely with the government’s technical team to finalize the project plans.
The President underscored the critical importance of such infrastructure, emphasizing that the airport is essential for boosting Uganda’s economy, creating numerous jobs, and promoting vital sectors like tourism and agriculture.
During the consultants’ presentation, President Museveni reportedly interjected with appreciation for the project, reflecting on the area’s historical significance and stressing the imperative to preserve the environment throughout the development process.
Bethuel Macharia of Blackrock Uwekeza expressed enthusiasm for financing the entire project, highlighting its potential for substantial economic growth.
Consultants Eddie Kisitu and Abubakar Kaseruuzi of Hamster Business Solutions elaborated on the airport’s strategic advantages, including its potential to facilitate transit routes between Latin America, China, Indonesia, and Australia, forecasting “enormous revenue” generation for Uganda and the broader region.
The proposed international airport is projected to significantly facilitate regional air travel and could have a profound impact on Uganda’s economy, with optimists suggesting it could triple the country’s economic output. The ambitious initiative is targeted to be operational by 2030, aligning with the President’s “Party and Term Oriented Delivery” agenda.
