New Entebbe airport business lounge to be altered after public backlash
The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) has pledged to make adjustments to the newly launched Karibuni Business Lounge at Entebbe International Airport following a wave of public criticism, particularly about its interior design.
Unveiled last Thursday, the new lounge is part of what UCAA described as “another important milestone in efforts to enhance the passenger experience.” Designed to accommodate up to 300 passengers, an increase from the previous 160, the facility features a range of amenities intended to improve passenger comfort, including baby changing rooms, an infant playroom, a designated smoking area, a prayer room, massage chairs, high-speed Wi-Fi, a relaxation room, and a conference room.
While some local media outlets lauded the lounge as a state-of-the-art facility, online reactions quickly turned critical. Many social media users questioned the overall design, citing poor colour coordination, furniture choices, and a general lack of sophistication.
BBC presenter Alan Kasujja described the lounge as “bland, tasteless, perfunctory, unambitious”, adding that it reflected “a complete lack of creativity.” He later compared the interior to a typical furniture showroom in Katwe, a Kampala suburb known for locally crafted furniture and metalwork.
Other users made unfavourable comparisons to airport lounges in Dubai, Singapore, and even neighbouring East African countries. However, not all responses were negative. Governance activist Norah Owaraga defended the new design, highlighting its functional capacity and inclusivity.
“For this purpose, I honestly don’t understand the elitist bashing. For us who travel ordinary class, I have not encountered much better waiting areas than this in other parts of the world,” she said.
“It is not intended to be exclusive. It is intended to accommodate a large number of passengers. And from the looks of it will. And if it is the case that the furniture is made in Uganda, by small business owners, I am even the more happy.”
In response to the backlash, UCAA welcomed the feedback, calling it constructive.
“We value the views of users of the facilities and the general public as these help us ensure that the airport facilities and services reflect the expectations and comfort of all,” UCAA said in a statement.
The authority clarified that the interior design and furnishing of the lounge were handled by the management of Karibuni Lounge, a private concessionaire. However, UCAA said it would work closely with the lounge operators to address the concerns.
Vianney Luggya, UCAA’s manager of public affairs, confirmed that changes are being considered.
“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,” he said.
He added that the planned alterations may include changes to furniture, colour schemes, and other aspects of the interior design.
“We have seriously taken note of the concerns regarding the furniture colours and layout and pledge to engage the concessionaire to align with and implement the required improvements,” he said.
UCAA also urged the public to remain calm and committed to continuous improvement of services at Entebbe International Airport. Speaking at the launch, Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, Minister for Works and Transport, commended both UCAA and Karibuni Lounge management for taking public input seriously.
“It is always important to understand and identify the needs of travellers and aim to surpass their expectations. We believe that the new lounge will be a valuable addition to the airport’s ambience and enhance the passenger experience,” he said.
He stressed 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.
Fred K. Bamwesigye, UCAA Director General, echoed the minister’s sentiments, noting that the lounge reflects the authority’s continued efforts to improve the passenger experience and promote Uganda as a warm and welcoming destination.
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