Plans are underway for government to build an airport in Hoima at Kabale, to ease transport operations in the nascent oil sector, including the construction of a refinery.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Finance Matia Kasaija, while delivering his inaugural budget speech.
He also announced the upgrade of Entebbe International Airport at a cost of US$325 million, which money has already been secured.
“Over the next five year period, Entebbe International Airport as Uganda’s principal international gateway will be upgraded to improve the quality of operation and maintenance,” Mr Kasaija said.
Mr Kasaija, who was named finance minister in March this year, also indicated that several aerodromes around the country will get a makeover.
Currently Uganda has one major airport at Entebbe and 30 airstrips and aerodromes spread across the country, all supervised by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the Ministry of Works and Transport.
Meanwhile, the minister has expressed optimism that developments in the oil industry were on course, saying three multi-national companies had already acquired exploration licenses and one production license.
“In February this year, Government announced the first bidding licensing round for six blocks in an effort to attract new companies in the exploration phase. The bidding process is ongoing and it is expected to be concluded by December 2015,” he said.
