Entebbe, Uganda: President Yoweri Museveni has endorsed a proposal by a China-based consortium to construct and develop an international airport at Nyakisharara in Mbarara District, a project he says will transform the region’s economy and boost Uganda’s global connectivity.
This came after the President met representatives of Base 7 Aviation International Academy and their consultants, Hamster Business Solutions, at State House Entebbe on Thursday, where the group presented their blueprint.
According to project officials Mr. Mugabi Charles and Ms. Alexandria Judith Kyakunzire, the development will be driven by three firms: Hunan Construction and Investment Engineering Company which will oversee construction, China Southwest Architectural Design and Research Institute to handle feasibility and design, while Blackrock Uwekeza will finance and operate the facility on a Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) model.
Mr Museveni welcomed the team and pledged government support for the construction of what he described as an “iconic international airport” in Mbarara. He tasked them to coordinate with the government’s technical team to finalize details, stressing that Uganda needs the airport to boost trade, tourism, agriculture, and job creation.
During the session, the President interjected with personal reflections on Nyakisharara’s history and underscored the need to preserve the environment throughout the project.
Mr. Bethuel Macharia of Blackrock Uwekeza confirmed readiness to finance the entire project, projecting significant economic benefits. Consultants Mr.
Eddie Kisitu and Mr. Abubakar Kaseruuzi outlined the airport’s potential to position Uganda as a transit hub between Latin America, China, Indonesia, and Australia, generating billions in revenue and expanding regional routes.
Economic projections shared by the consortium suggest the project could triple Uganda’s economic output once operational. The airport is expected to be completed by 2030 under the President’s Party and Term Oriented Delivery initiative.
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