During a cabinet meeting on Monday, the $309 million Hoima International Airport project, which is close to completion, was the main topic of discussion. Ministers were suggesting potential names for the airport, Uganda’s second-largest inland gateway to the world.
However, President Yoweri Museveni rejected a proposal to name the airport after himself, according to reliable reports from the meeting.
The state Minister for Works and Transport, Hon. Fred Byamukama, presented three potential names, which were the result of a local survey in Hoima District. The proposed names were; Y.K Museveni International Airport, Omukama Kabalega International Airport, and Kabale-Hoima International Airport.
A vote was taken, and almost all ministers voted in favor of naming the airport after Y.K Museveni. However, one minister objected to this suggestion, stating that it would seem as though Museveni was trying to establish a cult of personality similar to the African tyrants of the 20th century who named national monuments and institutions after themselves, such as Mobutu Sese Seko.
As a result, Mr. Museveni agreed with the minister’s concerns and rejected the proposal, explaining that in African culture, it is inappropriate to name buildings and institutions after living people.
He also acknowledged that he would be perceived as a selfish and greedy leader who seeks to be glorified while still alive.
Ultimately, it was unanimously decided that the Hoima Airport project would be named Omukama Kabalega, and it is expected to be completed in the next financial year.
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