UCAA Outlines Strategic Vision and Performance Results to Parliament
On July 16, 2026, the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) briefed the Parliamentary Committee on Infrastructure regarding its performance and future strategic roadmap. The Authority, which regulates Uganda’s aviation sector, reported a 79.7 percent achievement rate for the 2025/26 financial year, underscoring its role in national economic development, trade, and regional connectivity.
Strategic Alignment and the Fourth National Development Plan
The UCAA’s current operational strategy is tightly integrated with Uganda’s Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV). By prioritizing the Integrated Transport Infrastructure and Services Programme, the Authority is positioning itself as a central pillar for regional trade.
The strategic plan for the 2025/26 to 2029/30 period focuses on five core pillars: regulatory framework strengthening, infrastructure modernization, economic viability, institutional capacity, and strategic partnerships. These objectives are not merely administrative; they are functional requirements for maintaining compliance with international standards.
Performance Metrics and Financial Realities
The Authority reported a total revenue of UGX 346.5 billion for the 2025/26 financial year, achieving 86.3 percent of its budgetary target. While aeronautical revenue remains the primary driver—contributing UGX 276.3 billion through landing, parking, and navigation fees—the Authority is actively seeking to diversify into non-aeronautical streams, which accounted for UGX 69.2 billion.
Despite these figures, the UCAA faces a significant fiscal hurdle: an outstanding debt portfolio of UGX 233.9 billion. This includes substantial arrears owed by government institutions and Uganda Airlines. This liquidity strain complicates the agency’s ability to fund high-cost infrastructure projects, such as the ongoing modernization of Entebbe International Airport and the operationalization of the new Kabalega International Airport.
Infrastructure Upgrades and Regional Connectivity
The UCAA’s infrastructure agenda is ambitious, focusing on both international hubs and regional aerodromes. Key completed projects include the new Passenger Terminal Building at Entebbe and the extension of Apron 1. Looking forward, the development of an aviation master plan and the planned separation of regulatory functions from airport management are expected to enhance efficiency.
The shift toward separating these functions is a significant regulatory milestone.
Addressing Future Risks and Operational Challenges
The Authority identified several persistent risks: the high cost of aviation professional training, limited land for airport expansion, and the ongoing threat posed by global health crises. To mitigate these, the UCAA is pursuing international cooperation and capacity-building initiatives.