Museveni Launches Construction of Kidepo International Airport in Karenga

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has officially launched the construction of the Kidepo International Airport in Karenga District, describing it as a major milestone that will boost tourism, trade, investment, and economic transformation in the wider Karamoja Sub-region.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, President Museveni highlighted the vast tourism potential of Kidepo Valley National Park, noting that its global attractiveness has already attracted significant international investment, including the airport project. He said the new airport would unlock opportunities in tourism, agriculture, trade, and other sectors that remain largely underdeveloped.

The project is being financed by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry from the United Arab Emirates at an estimated cost of over USD 72 million. Planned infrastructure includes a 3.6-kilometre runway, a 7,408-square-metre passenger terminal, a 74,200-square-metre cargo terminal, and additional aviation facilities.

Museveni commended local communities in Karenga for voluntarily providing land for the project, assuring them that the airport would generate employment, improve infrastructure, promote wildlife conservation, and create new business opportunities.

He further encouraged residents of Karamoja to actively participate in wealth-creation programs, particularly in commercial agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, and ICT. He pointed to the global tourism industry, valued at approximately USD 11.6 trillion, as evidence of the sector’s enormous c potential.

The President reaffirmed government commitment to protecting Uganda’s tourism assets and urged communities near Kidepo Valley National Park to support conservation efforts to ensure long-term tourism growth.

Addressing investors, Museveni emphasized Africa’s growing consumer market and praised the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry for investing in Uganda, assuring them of security and expanding market opportunities as the continent’s population continues to grow.

He also noted progress in Karamoja following the disarmament of cattle rustlers, saying the restoration of peace and security has paved the way for increased investment and development in the region.

Museveni further revealed government plans to expand communal water dams for livestock while exploring ways to support individual farmers in developing private water reservoirs. He urged residents to transition from nomadic pastoralism to more settled and productive agricultural practices.

According to Abdallah Mohamed Sultan Al Owais, the airport project is being implemented in three phases and currently employs about 1,620 Ugandans. He thanked local communities for their cooperation.

Regional leaders said improved security has enhanced investor confidence in Karamoja. John Baptist Lokii cited emerging investments such as cement factories, marble processing plants, mining ventures, and the airport project as signs of economic growth.

Rose Lilly Akello commended the President for appointing leaders from Karamoja to key positions and pledged to strengthen unity among leaders to accelerate development. She also raised outstanding presidential pledges requiring attention.

In response, President Museveni directed his Principal Private Secretary to follow up on pending commitments made to Karenga District.

The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority, represented by Deputy Director General Olive Birungi Lumonya, outlined regulatory assessments for the project and provided updates on regional airport developments, including Arua, Gulu, Lira, Kasese, and Kabalega International Airport.

Once completed, the Kidepo International Airport is expected to strengthen connectivity to one of Uganda’s premier tourism destinations while supporting broader economic development across Karamoja and northern Uganda.

Reported by Issa Kigongo