The Government of Uganda has on the 04th of April, 2023 announced that Kabaale International Airport under construction in Hoima is to be renamed Kabalega International Airport, Hoima
This is in memory of the revered king of Bunyoro-Kitara and our progenitor , Omukama Cwa II Kabalega
The development, welcomed by Kabalega Foundation as timely, upon the centenary mark of 100 Years of Omukama Cwa II Kabalega of announced by the State Minister for Public Service, Mrs. Grace Mary Mugasa.
“I want to thank President Museveni for choosing to rename the airport in Hoima to Kabalega International Airport, Hoima. This comes at a time when we are celebrating 100 years of Omukama Kabalega,” Mugasa tweeted.
The “Oil and Gas based industrial park in Hoima district will also be named after the Great Omukama Kabalega. Thank you, President Museveni for this great choice. Bunyoro stands firm with history.”
The renaming of the airport comes as we celebrate 100 years since the death of Omukama Kabalega in 1923, having led Bunyoro-Kitara kingdom between 1870 and 1899, exiled for 24 years and died on his way back to his Kingdom in 1923.
Upon learning of the development, Kabalega Foundation Executive Director Dr. James Isagara Kisoro had this to say; “We are very delighted by the decision by the government of Uganda to rename Kabale International Airport in Hoima to Kabalega International Airport – Hoima. This is timely, as we celebrate #100YearsofKabalega‘s legacy this year.”
“The renaming of Kabaale International Airport to Kabalega International Airport is a monumental development that resonates deeply with the people of Bunyoro and Uganda as a whole. As we commemorate the centenary of Omukama Cwa II Kabalega’s legacy, this gesture not only honors his courage and leadership but also reinforces the importance of preserving and celebrating our cultural heritage. Omukama Kabalega’s unwavering resistance against colonialism shaped the history of our nation, and this renaming is a testament to the enduring spirit of his leadership. At Kabalega Foundation, we welcome this change as a recognition of our rich history and a step towards greater national pride. It is a proud moment for all Ugandans, especially those from the Bunyoro region, as we continue to build a future grounded in respect for our heritage and unity as a nation.” – Dr. James Isagara Kisoro, Executive Chairman, Kabalega Foundation.
“The renaming of Kabaale International Airport to Kabalega International Airport marks a new chapter of growth and development for the Bunyoro region and Uganda as a whole. As the second-largest international airport in the country, this facility is poised to significantly boost the local economy by creating jobs, fostering business opportunities, and enhancing regional connectivity. For the oil and gas sector, which is rapidly growing in Bunyoro, the airport will serve as a critical hub, improving access to key industry players and facilitating the movement of professionals and supplies to and from the region. Beyond the oil and gas industry, the airport’s expansion will serve as a catalyst for tourism, trade, and infrastructure development, positioning Uganda as a more attractive destination for international investors and tourists alike. The benefits of this development will ripple throughout the country, contributing to greater economic diversification, job creation, and national growth.” Dr. James Isagara continued to say.
Omukama Kabalega was the first leader in Uganda to command his people to oppose and fight European colonialism.
In 1872 in Masindi, Omukama Kabalega’s army defeated Sir Samuel Baker’s troops that had crossed into his territory from Sudan forcing them to flee north to retreat to Acholi and camp at Fort Patiko.
Kabalega was captured by the British in 1899 and forced into exile when put on a steamboat, taken to Port Kisumu, Kenya from where he was taken to Mont Plaisir, Marjorie prison and later to Seychelles Islands in the Indian Ocean .
About the airport
Kabaale International Airport in Hoima (now and onward Kabalega International Airport – Hoima) is currently under construction by Israeli-British firms, Shikun and Binui International (SBI/Colas Limited) and the construction works that started in 2018 are expected to be completed by the end of 2023.
The airport will have a 3500 metre long and 45 metre wide runway , a passenger terminal and associated facilities to support operations of cargo and passenger aircraft.
Original story publisher credits to Nile Post
The Airport is crucial to the development of a sustainable oil industry in Uganda. Take a fly-through tour of the site the video below showcasing the progress on construction works as of November 2022. (Credits to Sharon karakire)
