President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has today officially launched construction works for Kidepo International Airport in Karenga District, a major infrastructure project aimed at boosting tourism, trade, and investment in the Karamoja sub-region.
The airport project, funded by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is estimated to cost over USD 72 million and will include a 3.6-kilometre runway, a 7,408-square-metre passenger terminal, and a 74,200-square-metre cargo terminal, among other large-scale aviation facilities.
During the launch, President Museveni highlighted the economic opportunities tied to the airport and emphasised the tourism potential of Kidepo Valley National Game Park, noting that it has already attracted direct infrastructure investment, including the airport project, with wider benefits expected across multiple sectors.
“Now, Kidepo, which you wanted to destroy with goats, sheep and donkeys, is now bringing you this investment here, an airport like Entebbe Airport,” he said.
The President commended communities in Karenga District for voluntarily offering land for the airport project and assured them of significant development gains, including increased tourism, wildlife conservation opportunities, trade expansion, and improved livelihoods.
He further urged the people of Karamoja to broaden their participation in commercial economic activities, aligning with the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government’s wealth creation strategy across four key sectors.
Citing the global tourism industry, which he said is currently valued at 11.6 trillion USD under the services sector, alongside commercial agriculture, manufacturing, and ICT, President Museveni encouraged a shift from subsistence practices to commercial production.
He also reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting and promoting strategic sectors such as tourism, urging communities near Kidepo National Park to support conservation efforts.
“Please let us know what is good for our country, Uganda. Services are very important in modern economies,” President Museveni stated.
The President also encouraged international investors to take advantage of Uganda’s expanding opportunities and assured them of strong returns driven by growing markets.
He commended the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry for investing in Uganda, assuring them of a conducive environment and ready markets for their ventures.
H.E. Abdallah Mohamad Sultan Alowais, Chairman of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, outlined the scope of the project, noting that it currently employs 1,620 Ugandans and will be implemented in three phases.
He also praised residents of Karenga District for their cooperation and support in facilitating the project’s implementation.
Leaders from the Karamoja sub-region informed the President of increasing investor interest in the area, attributing it to improved peace and stability following disarmament efforts targeting cattle rustlers.
The Minister for Karamoja Affairs-designate, Dr. John Baptist Lokii, cited ongoing and upcoming investments such as cement factories, marble processing plants, mining ventures, and the Kidepo International Airport, describing the region as an emerging investment destination.
Ms Olive Birungi Lumonya, Deputy Director General of the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority, presented regulatory assessments carried out on the Kidepo International Airport project, confirming compliance processes underway to support its development.