Entebbe International Airport on Thursday unveiled its expanded Karibuni Lounge, part of a broader effort to modernize Uganda’s main aviation gateway and respond to surging passenger demand.
The upgraded business class facility features a significant boost in seating capacity — from 160 to 300 — and comes with new amenities aimed at making travel more comfortable for business and leisure flyers alike.
“The lounge is more than just a waiting area,” said Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, Minister of Works and Transport, while commissioning the space. “It is a space crafted for comfort, productivity, and relaxation.”
Among the new features are baby changing rooms, a play area for infants, a designated smoking zone, three additional massage chairs, high-speed Wi-Fi, and a prayer room. There is also a conference facility, more restrooms, and a fully equipped kitchen.
“We are confident that these amenities will substantially enhance the overall travel experience for our distinguished passengers,” Katumba added. “It’s about making their journeys more pleasurable and efficient.”
The Karibuni Lounge expansion is part of ongoing infrastructure improvements at Entebbe, which is gearing up for the launch of a new multi-billion-shilling terminal. Airport officials also confirmed preparations to accommodate larger aircraft — including double-decker jets — signaling Entebbe’s push to meet modern aviation standards.
Understanding the needs of travelers, the minister said, is crucial.
“We believe the new lounge will be a valuable addition to the airport’s ambience,” he said, urging the Karibuni and Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) teams to match service quality with the upgraded facilities.
Fred K. Bamwesigye, Director General of UCAA, said the project began in 2024 with a clear goal: improve the experience for business travelers.
“Limitations of structures at the airport have been a big challenge,” Bamwesigye said, referencing infrastructure dating back to the 1960s and ’70s. “Now we are constructing facilities to match the needs of this decade.”
He added that the lounge’s relocation — not just its expansion — was a direct response to passenger feedback.
“The objective has been fully achieved,” he said. “Today, we gather to celebrate this important milestone.”
Passenger traffic at Entebbe continues to rise. In May 2025 alone, the airport recorded 97,568 arrivals and 100,484 departures — a total of 198,052 passengers for the month, averaging 6,388 travelers per day.
Cargo movement also remained strong, with over 5,882 metric tonnes of imports and exports handled in May.
“It’s not a secret that passenger traffic has increased,” Bamwesigye said. “But when traffic increases, it’s also a problem — because we must increase facilities and modernize them to become world-class.”
With international travel rebounding and regional connectivity improving, authorities say the revamped Karibuni Lounge is more than a cosmetic upgrade. It’s a step toward positioning Entebbe as a competitive hub in East Africa.
