Kabalega International Airport receives first passenger flights

Kabalega International Airport in Hoima, Uganda, has handled its first passenger aircraft, serving as a practical operational test for the new facility. The arrivals included officials from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA, as well as the Libyan national football team and the Uganda Cranes ahead of an AFCON 2027 qualifier at Hoima City Stadium.

Minister of Works and Transport Fred Byamukama stated that the government organized these flights to demonstrate the airport's readiness ahead of its official commissioning, which is expected in early 2027. The airport, originally developed to support the Albertine region's oil and gas industry, is also intended to boost tourism and regional trade.

In parallel with these infrastructure developments, the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) is implementing a strategy to bolster the national team's competitiveness. This involves a naturalization initiative targeting players of Ugandan descent playing professionally abroad. FUFA has identified over 200 profiles, with several players already joining the squad to support upcoming international fixtures.