Government Signs Shs232b Deal with Egyptian Firm for Kabalega Airport Terminal

The Ugandan government has finalized a Shs232 billion agreement with Egypt’s SAMCO National Construction Company Ltd to build a modern passenger terminal at Kabalega International Airport in Hoima District. The development represents a crucial milestone in upgrading national aviation infrastructure as the country prepares to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations alongside Kenya and Tanzania.

The official contract signing took place at the Ministry of Works and Transport headquarters in Kampala. Minister of State for Transport Fred Byamukama signed on behalf of Uganda, while Egyptian Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Sherif Mohamed Abdellattif Elgammal, represented the construction firm.

Contractors face an aggressive eight-month completion window. Officials stress that the expedited timeline is vital to ensure the facility is fully operational in time to accommodate international sports delegations, tourists, and dignitaries traveling for the continental football tournament.

During the ceremony, Minister Byamukama urged SAMCO to deliver exceptional construction standards without delays or financial malpractice. He assured the contractor of steady government backing and timely disbursements while warning against bureaucratic hurdles that could stall progress.

Ambassador Elgammal commended Uganda for a transparent procurement procedure and highlighted SAMCO’s extensive portfolio of large-scale infrastructure projects in Egypt. He noted that the partnership further strengthens diplomatic and economic relations between the two nations.

Originally conceived by the Ministry of Energy to support heavy cargo logistics for oil exploration in the Albertine region, Kabalega International Airport’s mandate has expanded. The facility will now serve dual commercial passenger and cargo operations, overseen by the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority.

Read more about this development in the Daily Monitor.