CAA wants Shs601b for first phase of developing three Airfields

Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is looking for more than Shs600 billion ($162m) to begin the first phase of developing three regional airfields of Arua, Gulu and Kasese to the level of international standards.
According to CAA’s master plan and detailed engineering designs, these airfields will be upgraded to international standards subject to availability of funding.

In an interview with Prosper Magazine, CAA’s senior communications manager, Mr Vianney Luggya, says: “For the three airfields, we are waiting for government through the ministry of works to secure this funding for the first phrase development and upgrades to start.”

Arua Airfield
Arua Airfield – the second busiest airport in Uganda after Entebbe International Airport, is an important centre for passenger and cargo air traffic between Uganda and its neighbours – the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and South Sudan.

Arua Airfield requires a total of $56 million (Shs207b) to construct a new runway, taxiways and Apron; new cargo centre and new terminal complex.
In this first phrase also, Arua airfield’s control power, fire station and administration block will be developed.
According to Mr Luggya, acquisition of extra land to expand Arua airfield is 98 per cent complete.

“A new fire truck was procured. Construction of the terminal building (phase 20) completed, so is the construction of the apron and associated taxiways,” Luggya says.
Arua airfield’s development is envisioned to promote and facilitate Uganda’s growing trade with its neighbor South Sudan a major exports market destination in the region.

Kasese Airfield
The airport is located in Kasese town, Kasese District in the Western region of Uganda, at the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains and close to the international border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
It is approximately 261 kilometres (162 miles), by air, west of Entebbe International Airport, the country’s largest civilian and military airport.

CAA has plans to renovate and improve the airport by lengthening the runway to 8,210 feet (2,500m). The runway will also be widened to 146 feet (45m); as the surface will be converted to tarmac.
According to CAA’s master plan, detailed engineering designs and land acquisition were completed for Kasese airfield.
“In order to develop phase one, we require $53m (Shs196b) to construct a new runway, taxiways and Apron; new cargo centre, new terminal complex, control tower, fire station, and admin block, among others,” Mr Luggya shared.

Other Airfields
Soroti Airfield though not among those to be uplifted to international status, will benefit from the redevelopment exercise.
Located in Soroti District, Eastern Uganda, the airfield is majorly used by East Africa Civil Aviation Academy for training purposes, but also handles some commercial flights on an adhoc basis.
It is one of the facilities established by the East African Community in the early 1970s.

According to CAA’s Luggya, they are procuring a mobile portable airfield ground lighting system for Soroti Airfield.
“Remedial repairs of the runway 05/23, Taxiways and Apron at Soroti Airfield were completed,” Luggya says.

Gulu Airfield
Gulu Airfield mostly used for military and civil operations is situated 1,070 metres above sea level and has a single paved runway.
This airfield is three kilometres north-west of the central business district of Gulu, the largest metropolitan area in the Northern region.
The airport is approximately 303 kilometres north of Entebbe International Airport, Uganda’s largest civilian and military airport.

According to CAA as part of the master plan and detailed engineering designs done, Gulu airfield’s runway, taxiways and apron repairs were completed.
“We have completed acquiring extra land for the expansion of Gulu Airfield, a new fire truck procured and deployed at the airfield,” Mr Luggya says.
The first phase of developing Gulu airfield requires at least Shs196b ($53m) for work to start.