infrastructure 24 June 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Mbarara Faces Infrastructure Test as International Airport Plans Take Shape
Plans for a new international airport in Mbarara City have highlighted significant infrastructural gaps in the region, raising questions about its readiness to support such a major development. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/special-reports/nyakisharara-airport-project-places-mbarara-on-weighing-scale-5508372
The ambition to transform Mbarara into a hub with a world-class international airport, as directed by President Museveni, is confronting a harsh reality check. While the project promises economic growth and global connectivity, it has sharply illuminated the region’s existing deficiencies.
Experts and residents are questioning Mbarara’s preparedness, pointing to inadequate road networks leading to vital tourist destinations, dwindling water levels in the River Rwizi, and a scarcity of high-standard hotels. The city’s limited capacity for specialist healthcare and the significant distance to Kampala for advanced medical care further compound these concerns.
The proposed airport, to be built by a Uganda-Chinese consortium on government land near Mbarara City, is envisioned to be a massive facility with multiple extensive runways. The project is planned under a Build Operate and Transfer (BOT) model, requiring investors to resettle a highway and construct auxiliary infrastructure.
Despite these ambitious plans, Mbarara’s current infrastructure falls short of international standards. The city’s annual local revenue collection is modest, and the central government has not allocated specific funds for external infrastructure development related to the airport. The local economy, primarily based on cattle keeping and agricultural processing, may not be sufficient to support a robust cargo business.
The hospitality sector also shows significant room for improvement. According to recent tourism reports, Mbarara lacks any 5-star hotels, which are crucial for attracting international travelers and business. While local stakeholders express optimism about developing the necessary infrastructure over the next four years, the scale of the required upgrades presents a substantial challenge.