Museveni flags off $72m Kidepo airport project in Karamoja
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has launched construction works for Kidepo International Airport in Karenga district, in a move aimed at positioning the Karamoja sub-region as a key destination for tourism, trade and investment. The project, funded by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the United Arab Emirates, is estimated to cost more than […] The post Museveni flags off $72m Kidepo airport project in Karamoja appeared first on Daily Star.
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President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has launched construction works for Kidepo International Airport in Karenga district, in a move aimed at positioning the Karamoja sub-region as a key destination for tourism, trade and investment.
The project, funded by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the United Arab Emirates, is estimated to cost more than $72 million. It will feature a 3.6-kilometre runway, a 7,408-square-metre passenger terminal and a 74,200-square-metre cargo terminal, alongside other supporting aviation infrastructure.
Speaking at the ground-breaking ceremony, Museveni said the airport would unlock the region’s economic potential, particularly through tourism anchored on 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.
In a post on X, the President noted that Karamoja had made significant progress from years of insecurity, cattle rustling and lawlessness, with peace now laying a foundation for development.
“The airport will improve access to Kidepo Valley National Park, boost tourism, attract investors, create jobs for our young people and expand markets for local products. Already, more than 1,600 Ugandans are employed on the project,” he said.
Museveni also commended partners from Sharjah for recognising investment opportunities in Uganda and across Africa. He urged local communities to embrace commercial agriculture, manufacturing, services and information communication technology as part of efforts to transition households into the money economy.
He emphasised tourism as a key driver of Uganda’s services sector, noting that conservation of natural resources would be critical to sustaining long-term investment.
Officials said the airport is expected to significantly improve access to tourism sites in north-eastern Uganda and strengthen the country’s position as a regional tourism hub.
Abdallah Mohamad Sultan Alowais, chairman of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the project reflects growing investor confidence in Uganda. He added that construction would be implemented in phases while ensuring continued employment opportunities for Ugandans.
Alowais also praised local communities for supporting the project, noting that their cooperation had been instrumental in its rollout.
Leaders from Karamoja said the airport adds to a growing wave of investments in the region, following improved security after the disarmament of cattle rustlers. They cited emerging cement and marble factories, mining activities and infrastructure development as signs of transformation.
Dr John Baptist Lokii, the minister for Karamoja affairs (designate), said the region is increasingly becoming attractive to investors, with projects such as the airport expected to accelerate economic growth.
Olive Birungi Lumonya of the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority said regulatory assessments had been completed to guide the development of the airport, ensuring compliance with aviation standards.
Once completed, the airport is expected to enhance connectivity to Uganda’s north-eastern tourism circuit and provide a new gateway for international visitors to Karamoja, a region the government is positioning as a destination for high-value tourism and investment.
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