The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) has defended delays in the completion and commissioning of some infrastructure projects at Entebbe Airport, saying unforeseen circumstances affected the delivery of key equipment.
The explanation followed concerns raised in the Auditor General’s report for the financial year ended June 2025.
The issues were discussed during an inspection and fact-finding visit to the airport by the Parliamentary Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE), chaired by Kyadondo East MP Muwada Nkunyingi.
UCAA Acting Director General Olive Birungi Lumonya told the committee that the delivery of power transformers had been delayed by circumstances including disruptions linked to the Ebola outbreak and the conflict in the Middle East.
“The delivery of the procured transformers was delayed because of uncertainties like the Ebola outbreak, which made it difficult to transport the equipment from Vietnam in time. The Middle East conflict also contributed to the delay in delivery,” Lumonya said.
John Tamale, a senior electrical engineer at UCAA, told the committee that the transformers were among the projects referred to in the Auditor General’s report.
He said the contract between UCAA and International Energy Technik, a company based in Kampala’s Industrial Area, was signed on 27 March 2025 at a cost of about Shs2 billion. The contractor was given 10 months to deliver the equipment.
Tamale said factory acceptance testing had been completed in Vietnam and that the second 8 MVA transformer was expected to arrive by September 2026, after which installation would begin.
He said the installation and commissioning of the transformers were expected to be completed by November 2026, subject to there being no further unforeseen delays.
The transformers are intended to improve the reliability and stability of electricity supplied to critical facilities at the airport, including the VVIP passenger terminal.
Tamale explained that the airport was upgrading its power capacity to ensure that its electrical system could comfortably meet its maximum demand of about 5.5 MVA and provide additional capacity in case of emergencies.
He said the existing transformers were not faulty, but were currently not being used for the intended purpose because the airport was awaiting the installation of the second transformer.
“Once the second transformer is installed, the two will be deployed at the VVIP terminal to improve the reliability and stability of the power supply,” Tamale said.
He added that the equipment was undergoing inspection by SGS and Intertek, international inspection companies contracted to verify that the transformers had been manufactured according to the required specifications and met quality and compliance standards.
Nkunyingi questioned why UCAA had procured 8 MVA transformers when the airport’s maximum power requirement was estimated at 5.5 MVA.
Tamale explained that the higher capacity was intended to provide a safety margin and ensure that the airport could maintain a stable power supply during emergencies or when there were changes in demand.
The committee chairman also questioned Tamale about his professional qualifications and experience in managing the airport’s electrical infrastructure.
Tamale said he holds a Higher Diploma in Electrical Engineering from Kyambogo University, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Ndejje University.
He said he joined the electrical engineering field in 2003 and had been involved in the installation of the first phase of power transformers at Entebbe Airport in 2024.
Tamale told the committee that he had the professional training and experience required to manage the airport’s power facilities.
He, however, stressed that the November 2026 completion date would depend on there being no further unforeseen circumstances.
Nkunyingi recommended that when UCAA next appears before COSASE, the authority should provide detailed information on the contract terms, valuations and equipment associated with the project.
The committee also inspected several other facilities at Entebbe Airport, including the new baggage system, explosive detection scanners, the new passenger terminal building, baggage handling and scanning systems, and the baggage make-up area.
The MPs further inspected the cargo centre operated by Menzies and DAS Aviation, where imports and exports are processed, Uganda Freight Handling Services, and the airport’s fire emergency vehicles.
Nkunyingi said the inspection had helped MPs understand the developments taking place at the airport, but they could not immediately conclude on all the issues raised in the Auditor General’s report.
The inspection comes as passenger and cargo traffic at Entebbe International Airport continues to grow.
Lumonya said the airport handled 2.48 million international passengers in 2025, compared with 2.24 million in 2024, representing an increase of about 11%.
Cargo volumes also increased, with the airport handling 69,595 metric tonnes in 2025 compared with 67,098 metric tonnes in 2024.
Lumonya attributed the growth to increased airline connectivity, tourism, new routes and the entry or expansion of operators serving Uganda.
She cited Uganda Airlines’ direct flights to London Gatwick as one of the developments that have strengthened Uganda’s international air links. She also mentioned Flynas and other operators as contributors to increased regional and international connectivity.
According to Lumonya, Uganda has now concluded 64 bilateral air services agreements with other countries, providing a framework for increased international air connectivity.
She told the committee, however, that disruptions in Middle Eastern airspace in 2026 affected some airlines operating to and through Entebbe.
Lumonya said the Middle East is an important aviation corridor for Uganda because it provides connections to Europe, Asia and other destinations.
The committee is expected to consider the explanations given by UCAA officials alongside the Auditor General’s findings before making further recommendations on the airport projects.
