UCAA Pushes for Expansion of Kisoro Aerodrome Runway to Boost Tourism

The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) is taking significant steps to enhance the capacity of Kisoro Aerodrome by seeking additional land to extend its runway.

This move aims to accommodate larger aircraft, a crucial development for the burgeoning tourism industry in southwestern Uganda.

Currently, Kisoro Aerodrome's runway is 1.2 kilometers long, limiting its use to small planes with a capacity of just seven passengers. However, with a rising demand for air travel services—particularly from tourists eager to explore the region’s renowned national parks—UCAA is keen to extend the runway to 1,800 meters.

This extension would allow larger aircraft to land, making Kisoro more accessible to both domestic and international tourists.

Vianney Luggya, UCAA's head of communications, emphasized the importance of the runway extension for the region’s tourism prospects.

"The medium-term plan is to upgrade the Kisoro aerodrome runway from its current length of 1,200 meters to a longer runway. The ideal plan is to extend it to 2,300 meters, but the available land only allows for an extension to 1,800 meters," Luggya explained.

To date, UCAA has completed significant upgrades to the existing runway, along with improvements to the apron, taxiway, and access roads for fire trucks.

These upgrades are part of a broader strategic infrastructure project designed to bolster Uganda’s tourism landscape by facilitating direct air access to key game parks such as Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

These developments come as part of the East African Tourism Circuit initiative, which allows operators to fly directly to aerodromes near major tourist sites, including Kisoro, Kasese, Kidepo, Pakuba, Arua, and Gulu, with prior arrangements.

Previously, travelers had to land at Entebbe International Airport and take connecting flights, which added to their journey time and logistical challenges.

The extension of Kisoro Aerodrome's runway is a critical component of UCAA’s long-term vision to position Uganda as a top-tier tourism destination in East Africa.

However, the project faces challenges, particularly in securing enough land to meet the optimal runway length of 2,300 meters. Despite these constraints, UCAA remains committed to improving air access to this key region.

As part of the expansion efforts, UCAA is conducting full feasibility studies, engineering designs, and environmental and social impact assessments to ensure the project’s sustainability and alignment with local needs.

The Aerodrome, located in the extreme southwestern corner of Uganda, just six kilometers north of the Rwanda border, is poised to become a crucial hub for tourists eager to explore Uganda’s unique natural heritage.