The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) has taken a significant leap in elevating the passenger experience at Entebbe International Airport (EIA) with the official launch of the expanded and relocated Karibuni Lounge.
This strategic enhancement, a key component of ongoing airport modernisation, directly addresses the remarkable surge in international passenger traffic, reinforcing EIA’s commitment to world-class service and efficiency.
The new Karibuni Lounge, a premium business-class facility, was unveiled today by General Edward Katumba Wamala, the Minister of Works and Transport, alongside Mr. Fred Bamwesigye, the UCAA Director General, and the UCAA Management team. This commissioning marks a pivotal moment in improving the comfort, productivity, and relaxation options for the airport’s growing number of discerning travellers.
Redefining Passenger Comfort and Efficiency
Minister Katumba highlighted the Lounge’s comprehensive upgrades, which were meticulously designed based on public feedback to surpass traveller expectations.
“The new facility is more than just a waiting area; it is a space crafted for comfort, productivity, and relaxation,” he stated.
The Minister noted that the expanded Karibuni Lounge now boasts an impressive array of amenities:
Increased Capacity
Seating capacity has nearly doubled, from 160 to 300 passengers, directly accommodating the rising demand.
Family-Friendly Features
Includes dedicated baby changing rooms and an infant playroom, catering to the needs of families travelling through EIA.
Enhanced Relaxation and Wellness
The lounge offers three supplementary massage chairs and a dedicated relaxation room.
Productivity Tools
Karibuni Lounge provides high-speed Wi-Fi and a dedicated conference room for business travellers.
Comprehensive Facilities
It comes with additional restrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, a designated smoking area, and a prayer room to ensure all passengers’ needs are met.
“We are confident that these amenities will substantially enhance the overall travel experience for our distinguished passengers, rendering their journeys more pleasurable and efficient,” General Katumba affirmed.
Responding to Unprecedented Growth
Mr. Bamwesigye, the UCAA Director General, underscored the necessity of these upgrades in light of EIA’s rapid growth.
“The project to expand the Karibuni Lounge commenced in 2024 with the primary objective of enhancing the travel experience for business travellers. I am proud to report that this objective has been fully achieved,” Bamwesigye noted.
He observed that the relocation of the lounge to a more convenient and spacious setting is a direct response to the continuous increase in international passenger traffic.
“In May 2025 alone, Entebbe International Airport recorded a staggering 198,052 total passengers (97,568 arriving and 100,484 departing), averaging 6,388 arrivals and departures per day,” Bamwesigye said, adding, “This significant volume underscores the critical role business lounges play in offering a comfortable and productive environment for travellers.”
Beyond passengers, EIA’s cargo operations also saw robust activity in May 2025, handling 4,085 metric tonnes of exports and 1,797 metric tonnes of imports, totalling 5,882 metric tonnes.
Gearing Up for Global Validation and Expansion
The commissioning of the Karibuni Lounge is part of a broader, ongoing infrastructural upgrade at Entebbe International Airport.
Minister Katumba hinted at the next major milestone, saying, “Very soon, we will be inviting you to witness the commissioning of the major project component, the new passenger terminal building.”
This, according to Gen. Katumba, signals EIA’s aggressive push to modernise its facilities and enhance its capacity to serve as a key aviation hub in the region.
Looking ahead, Mr. Bamwesigye also highlighted a crucial upcoming event: the ICAO Coordinated Validation Mission (ICVM) scheduled for December 2025.
This vital mission, he said, will assess Uganda’s progress in addressing previously identified Corrective Action Plans (CAPs), demonstrating UCAA’s commitment to upholding the highest international aviation safety and security standards.
The strategic investments in facilities like the Karibuni Lounge, coupled with the ongoing airport expansion and dedication to international compliance, firmly position Entebbe International Airport as a beacon of progress in African aviation, ready to meet the demands of growing traffic and future challenges.