Kabalega Airport handles first passenger flights in AFCON test

What the report says

Kabalega International Airport in Hoima district recorded its first passenger flights on Sunday in a trial connected to Uganda’s preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. According to The Observer, the test involved flights carrying Confederation of African Football officials, members of the local organising committee, the Libyan national team and later the Uganda Cranes, showing how the new facility is being checked before official commissioning.

The Libyan team landed first and was taken by road to Hoima City ahead of its qualifier against Uganda at Hoima City Stadium on Tuesday. The Uganda Cranes later arrived by Uganda Airlines. Works and Transport minister Fred Byamukama said the government arranged the movements to assess readiness. The airport use also marked an important step for football outside Kampala, as Hoima prepares to host a competitive international match involving the Cranes.

The airport is part of wider infrastructure in the Albertine region, where Uganda expects future oil and gas activity. The Observer said construction began in 2018 and that the facility includes a long runway, cargo and passenger terminals, a control tower and firefighting systems. The airport is also being tested alongside Hoima City Stadium, another major venue built for Afcon-related preparations.