Uganda – Airport Infrastructure Development Programme – Phase I

The Uganda Airports Development Programme – Phase I is a sovereign aviation infrastructure programme designed to improve domestic and regional connectivity through the modernization of Arua Airport in northwestern Uganda. The programme will upgrade the existing aerodrome into an international-standard, climate-resilient airport capable of supporting passenger, cargo, trade, tourism and humanitarian operations. The main investments include the construction of a 3,500-metre asphalt runway, taxiways and aprons; a passenger terminal and a cargo terminal with an annual capacity of approximately 25,000 tonnes; a control tower equipped with navigation and information technology systems; a fire station, car park, access road, security road and perimeter fencing. The infrastructure will incorporate green-building and climate-resilience measures, including solar energy, natural ventilation, energy-efficient lighting, rainwater harvesting, improved drainage, water-efficiency and waste-management systems, and electric ground-transport equipment. The programme will also support the preparation of an Aerotropolis Master Plan and detailed physical development plans for Arua’s growth centres, institutional strengthening in the aviation sector, technical assistance, environmental and social management, youth skills development, and feasibility and infrastructure studies for other Ugandan aerodromes, including Tororo, Nyamiringa, Pakuba and Kisoro. The total programme cost is estimated at EUR 157.76 million, financed by an African Development Bank loan of EUR 141.15 million, an African Development Fund loan of EUR 14.84 million, and an in-kind contribution from the Government of Uganda of EUR 1.77 million. No external co-financier is included in the financing plan for Phase I, although the European Union, World Bank, Islamic Development Bank and East African Development Bank have expressed interest in supporting subsequent phases. The executing agency is the Ministry of Works and Transport, while the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority is the implementing agency.