President Museveni has launched the construction of Kidepo International Airport in Karenga District, a major infrastructure project expected to boost tourism, trade, investment and connectivity in the Karamoja sub-region.
The airport, funded by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is estimated to cost more than USD 72 million. Key facilities will include a 3.6-kilometre runway, a 7,408-square-metre passenger terminal, a 74,200-square-metre cargo terminal, and other aviation infrastructure.
Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony, President Museveni highlighted the economic opportunities that the airport will bring to Karamoja, particularly through increased tourism linked to the nearby Kidepo Valley National Park.
“Now, Kidepo, which you wanted to destroy with goats, sheep and donkeys, is now bringing you this investment here, an airport like Entebbe Airport,” Museveni said.
The President commended residents of Karenga District for voluntarily providing land for the project, noting that the airport would accelerate development through tourism, wildlife conservation, trade and related economic activities.
Museveni also urged the people of Karamoja to diversify their economic activities and take advantage of opportunities in the four sectors prioritized by the government for wealth creation: commercial agriculture, manufacturing, services and information and communications technology (ICT).
Referring to the global tourism industry’s contribution of approximately USD 11.6 trillion, he said Uganda must position itself to benefit more from the services sector while protecting key tourism assets.
“Please let us know what is good for our country Uganda. Services are very important in modern economies,” he said.
The President further encouraged international investors to consider Uganda and Africa as emerging investment destinations with expanding markets and growing economic opportunities. He praised the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry for investing in Uganda and assured the investors of a favorable business environment and market potential.
Speaking at the event, H.E. Abdallah Mohamed Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the project currently employs 1,620 Ugandans and will be implemented in three phases. He also thanked the people of Karenga for their cooperation and support.
Leaders from the Karamoja sub-region told the President that peace and stability resulting from the disarmament of cattle rustlers have attracted significant investments to the area.
The Minister for Karamoja Affairs-designate, Dr. John Baptist Lokii, cited ongoing investments such as cement factories, marble processing plants, mining projects and the Kidepo International Airport as evidence of the region’s growing economic potential.
Meanwhile, Olive Birungi Lumonya, Deputy Director General of the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority, outlined the regulatory assessments undertaken to ensure compliance and readiness for the airport project.
