President Museveni has met with a China-based consortium to discuss the proposed development of an international airport in Nyakisharara, Mbarara. The project, led by Base 7 Aviation International Academy and their consultants, Hamster Business Solutions, aims to transform the region’s economic landscape.
According Charles Mugabi and Alexandria Judith Kyakunzire of Base 7 Aviation International Academy, three firms will drive the initiative: Hunan Construction and Investment Engineering Company will handle construction, China Southwest Architectural Design and Research Institute will oversee feasibility studies and design, and Blackrock Uwekeza will finance and operate the airport under a Build, Operate, and Transfer (BOT) model.
Museveni warmly welcomed the delegation and pledged his support for the construction of a world-class international airport in Nyakisharara. He urged the group to collaborate closely with the government’s technical team to finalize project details. The President emphasized the airport’s potential to boost Uganda’s economy, create jobs, and promote tourism and agriculture.
During the consultants’ presentation, Museveni expressed appreciation for the project, reflecting on the area’s historical significance and underscoring the importance of preserving the environment throughout the development process.
Bethuel Macharia of Blackrock Uwekeza highlighted the firm’s enthusiasm for financing the project, noting its potential to drive significant economic growth. Consultants Eddie Kisitu and Abubakar Kaseruuzi of Hamster Business Solutions outlined the airport’s benefits, including its role as a transit hub connecting Latin America, China, Indonesia, and Australia, which could generate substantial revenue for Uganda and the region.
The airport is expected to enhance regional connectivity and significantly impact Uganda’s economy, with projections suggesting it could triple the country’s economic output. The project is slated for completion by 2030.
