By Jumah Kakomo
The Ministry of Works and Transport, in collaboration with the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), has commissioned a modern Karibuni Lounge at Entebbe International Airport, a business-class facility designed to enhance the travel experience for valued passengers.
The new Karibuni Business Lounge unveiled on Thursday has a numerous services aimed at making it comfortable for the passengers, which the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) calls “another important milestone in efforts to enhance the passenger experience”.
The Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, led the launch and states that the lounge is a space crafted for comfort, productivity, and relaxation, offering additional features such as baby changing rooms, an infant playroom, a designated smoking area, massage chairs, among others.
Katumba stresses that the upgrade is not merely about aesthetics but a reflection of Uganda’s readiness to meet the evolving needs of international travellers and position Entebbe as a competitive regional gateway.
The newly refurbished lounge launched with an increased seating capacity from 160 to 300, making it a valuable addition to the airport’s ambience. Katumba urges the public to embrace the facility as well as the management to ensure that the service provided matches the new facilities, enhancing the overall passenger experience.
The manager of public affairs at UCAA Vianney Luggya says that the interior design and furnishing of the lounge were undertaken by the management of Karibuni Lounge, a privately operated facility, but promised remedial action in response to the public concerns.
“As the airport operator, we remain committed to working closely with all our concessionaires and stakeholders to ensure that services and aesthetics meet the high standards our passengers look forward to,” Luggya said
Meanwhile, UCAA Director General Fred Bamwesigye emphasized the importance of ongoing airport projects, citing the continued increase in international passenger traffic. He urges members of the public to remain calm, committing to continuously improving the passenger experience at Entebbe International Airport. He noted that in May 2025, Entebbe International Airport recorded 97,568 arriving passengers and 100,484 departing passengers, totalling 198,052 passengers, with a daily average of 6,388 arrivals and departures.
