President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has officially launched the construction of Kidepo International Airport in Karenga District, a major infrastructure project expected to strengthen tourism, trade, and investment opportunities across the Karamoja sub-region.
The airport project, valued at more than $72 million, is being financed by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Planned facilities include a 3.6-kilometre runway, a 7,408-square-metre passenger terminal, and a 74,200-square-metre cargo terminal, among other aviation infrastructure.
Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony, President Museveni highlighted the economic significance of the project and the growing importance of tourism in driving development within Karamoja. He pointed to the potential of Kidepo Valley National Park as a major tourism asset that has already attracted international investment.
“Now, Kidepo, which you wanted to destroy with goats, sheep and donkeys, is now bringing you this investment here, an airport like Entebbe Airport,” President Museveni said.
The President praised communities in Karenga District for voluntarily providing land for the project and assured residents that the airport would generate wide-ranging benefits through tourism, wildlife conservation, trade, and related economic activities.
He also encouraged residents of Karamoja to expand their participation in wealth-creating sectors identified by the government, including commercial agriculture, manufacturing, services, and information and communications technology (ICT).
Referring to the global tourism industry’s contribution to the world economy, Museveni said the sector presents significant opportunities for communities willing to embrace new forms of economic activity beyond traditional subsistence livelihoods.
“Please let’s know what is good for our country Uganda. Services are very important in modern economies,” he said.
The President further urged communities living near Kidepo Valley National Park to support conservation efforts, emphasizing the need to protect tourism resources that can generate long-term economic returns for the country.
Museveni also used the occasion to promote Uganda as an attractive destination for international investors, citing the country’s expanding market opportunities and broader prospects across Africa.
He commended the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry for choosing Uganda as an investment destination and expressed confidence that the project would deliver strong returns.
The Chairman of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Abdallah Mohamad Sultan Alowais, revealed that the airport project is currently employing 1,620 Ugandans. He explained that construction will be carried out in three phases and thanked the local community for supporting the initiative.
Regional leaders informed the President that Karamoja is witnessing increased investor interest following improved security and stability brought about by the government’s disarmament programme targeting cattle rustling.
Karamoja Affairs Minister-designate Dr. John Baptist Lokii highlighted several ongoing investments in the sub-region, including cement factories, marble processing facilities, mining projects, and the Kidepo International Airport development. He described Karamoja as an increasingly attractive destination for both local and foreign investors.
Meanwhile, Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) Deputy Director General Olive Birungi Lumonya outlined the regulatory and technical assessments that have been undertaken to facilitate the airport’s development.
Once completed, Kidepo International Airport is expected to enhance connectivity to one of Uganda’s premier tourism destinations while supporting economic growth and investment across the Karamoja sub-region.