Uganda’s Minister of Works and Transport, Fred Byamukama, has directed the opening and clear marking of the boundaries of Koboko Airfield, which the government intends to preserve and develop as an alternative airfield for the West Nile region. He gave the direction during a visit to the airfield, according to a Ministry of Works and Transport article dated 18 September 2026.
Byamukama told residents that the government plans to reclaim and revive the facility to complement the planned upgrade of Arua Airport to international standards.
The inspection found residential structures, gardens and livestock grazing within the airfield reserve. Byamukama said the encroachment could affect the planned development of the facility and raise safety concerns, and he directed Ministry officials, working with local leaders and residents, to carry out a boundary-opening exercise and mark the government land to establish the extent of the reserve. Local reports indicate that the airfield has been largely inactive for more than three decades.
He said persons who have encroached on the government-owned land should not expect compensation, and he cautioned residents against buying, selling or developing land within the reserve. He urged occupants to cooperate with the authorities as the boundaries are established and the facility is prepared for future development.
Byamukama said preserving the airfield matters for the growth of Koboko and the wider West Nile region, and the Ministry expects a developed facility to improve air connectivity and support the movement of people and goods.
The Ministry said it will work with relevant authorities, local leaders and communities to clarify the boundaries of the airfield and address encroachment as the government advances plans for the facility.
