By Ismail Bategeka
www.mknewslink.com
In Hoima—
The Government has signed a Shs232 billion contract with Egyptian-based SAMCO Egypt Contractors for the construction of a passenger terminal at Kabalega International Airport in Hoima District.
The agreement was signed on October 30, 2026, in a ceremony presided over by the Minister of State for Transport, Mr Fred Byamukama, and attended by Egyptian and Ugandan diplomats, officials from the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) and the Ministry of Works and Transport.
The project is expected to be completed within eight months, marking a new phase in the development of the airport, which was initially constructed to support Uganda’s oil and gas activities in the Albertine region.
The new contract represents a Shs53 billion reduction from the earlier Shs285 billion figure associated with China Communications Construction Company (CCCC).
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Mr Byamukama urged the Egyptian contractor to maintain quality standards, avoid corruption and complete the project within the agreed timeframe.
The Egyptian Ambassador to Uganda welcomed the agreement and expressed confidence in the contractor’s ability to deliver the project.
SAMCO’s vice-chairman, Engineer Ibrahim Mabrouk, said the company was ready to undertake the works, citing its experience and technical capacity.
The Acting Director General of UCAA, Ms Olive Birungi Lumonya, pledged the authority’s support to ensure the terminal meets aviation standards.
The expanded terminal is expected to improve passenger handling capacity and strengthen air connectivity to the Albertine region. It is also expected to support tourism, hospitality and business activities in Hoima and neighbouring districts.
The project comes as Uganda prepares to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), increasing the importance of completing the facility within the agreed timeframe.