The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) has commissioned a new and modern business-class facility known as Karibuni Lounge at Entebbe International Airport.
The facility is expected to provide enhanced amenities beyond those available in the main terminal, thereby contributing to a more efficient and enjoyable travel experience.
During the media briefing at the airport’s VIP lounge, Fred Bamwesigye, the UCAA’s Director General explained that the airport is experiencing tremendous transformation with emphasis on improving facilities and enhancing service provision.
He said that the project to expand the Karibuni Lounge commenced in 2024 with the primary objective of enhancing the travel experience for business travellers which has been fully achieved on it’s launch.
“As you may be aware, the ongoing projects at Entebbe International Airport are of critical importance, particularly in light of the continued increase in international passenger traffic. In response to the growing number of passengers and users of the business lounge in particular, the Karibuni Lounge has not only been expanded but also relocated to a more convenient and spacious setting to better meet their needs,” he added.
Bamwesigye also emphasized that the airport continues to expand, business lounges such as Karibuni play an essential role in offering a comfortable and productive environment where travellers can work, rest, or prepare for their flights.
While launching the facility, General Edward Katumba Wamala, the Minister of Works and Transport remarked that the new facility is designed to improve the travel experience for our valued passengers.
“The lounge is more than just a waiting area; it is a space crafted for comfort, productivity, and relaxation,” he said.
The new lounge has been outfitted with additional features and amenities, including baby changing rooms, an infant playroom, a designated smoking area, three supplementary massage chairs, high-speed Wi-Fi, a relaxation room, a conference room, additional restrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and a prayer room, among other facilities.
“We are confident that these amenities will substantially enhance the overall travel experience for our distinguished passengers, rendering their journeys more pleasurable and efficient. Additionally, the seating capacity has been increased from 160 to 300,” the Minister highlighted.
In addition, Gen Katumba Wamala expressed gratitude to the Management of Karibuni Lounge and UCAA for taking public feedback into consideration, saying, “It is always important to understand and identify the needs of travellers and aim to surpass their expectations. So we believe that the new lounge will be a valuable addition to the airport’s ambience and enhance the passenger experience.”
He, therefore urged the Management of Karibuni to ensure that the service provided to the passengers is commensurate with the new facilities.
“Other infrastructural upgrade projects at Entebbe International Airport are progressing smoothly as part of the expansion and upgrade of the airport and very soon we will be commissioning the major project component – the new passenger terminal building,” the Minister of Works concluded.
Meanwhile, the UCAA’s Director General also provided an update on passenger traffic, indicating an increase in numbers, whereby in May 2025, Entebbe International Airport recorded 97,568 arriving passengers and 100,484 departing passengers, a total of 198,052 passengers, making an average of 6,388 arrivals and departures daily.
“Concerning cargo, the Airport handled 4,085 metric tonnes of exports and 1,797 metric tonnes of imports in May 2025, for a combined total of 5,882 metric tonnes,” Bamwesigye added.
In conclusion, he noted that UCAA is also scheduled to undergo the ICAO Coordinated Validation Mission (ICVM) in December 2025, which is intended to assess the progress made by the State in addressing previously identified Corrective Action Plans (CAPs).
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