Museveni flags off construction of Kidepo International Airport to boost tourism and trade

KARENGA, June 8, 2026 — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on June 5, 2026 officially commissioned the construction of Kidepo International Airport in Karenga district, marking a historic milestone for the Karamoja Sub-region.

Funded by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry from the United Arab Emirates [UAE] at an estimated cost of over US$ 72 million [about Shs 273.6 billion], the project is designed to transform the region into a global tourism and investment hub by leveraging the proximity of the renowned Kidepo Valley National Park.

The ambitious infrastructure project, which is set to be implemented in three distinct phases, represents a strategic move by the Ugandan government to unlock the economic potential of a region long characterised by its remote geography.

During the launch ceremony, Museveni emphasised that the airport is not merely a transport facility but a catalyst for multi-sectoral development that will benefit the local community and the nation at large.

The Kidepo International Airport will feature expansive aviation facilities designed to handle both international passengers and heavy cargo.

Key components of the project include a 3.6-kilometre runway, a 7,408-square-meter passenger terminal, and a massive 74,200-square-meter cargo terminal.

These facilities are intended to facilitate direct international flights to the Karamoja region, significantly reducing travel time for tourists and providing a direct exit point for regional exports.

Museveni highlighted the viability of Kidepo Valley National Park, noting that its unique wildlife and scenic beauty have already begun attracting significant direct investment.

He pointed out that the global tourism sector is currently valued at approximately USD 11.6 trillion, and by establishing world-class infrastructure, Uganda is positioning itself to capture a larger share of this market.

“The scope of options for investment is wide enough to allow people to change from their traditional and backward activities that have stunted their incomes,” Museveni stated.

He urged the residents of Karamoja to broaden their commercial horizons by engaging in the four pillars of wealth creation identified by the National Resistance Movement [NRM] government: commercial agriculture, manufacturing, services [including tourism], and Information and Communications Technology [ICT].

Abdallah Mohamad Sultan Alowais, the Chairperson of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, expressed his organisation’s commitment to the project, noting that it has already created jobs for 1,620 Ugandans.

He commended the residents of Karenga district for their overwhelming support and for volunteering land to host the facility.

In his address, Museveni thanked the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry for choosing Uganda as a destination for their investment.

He assured the UAE-based investors of guaranteed returns and an expansive market for products generated through the new trade corridor.

The President also took the opportunity to advise local communities on the importance of conservation.

He affirmed the government’s resolve to protect profitable sectors like tourism and urged those residing near Kidepo National Park to adhere to strategic guidance for wildlife conservation, ensuring that the natural assets driving this investment are preserved for future generations.

The launch of the airport comes at a time when Karamoja is experiencing a shift in its economic narrative.

Local leaders reported to the President that the restoration of peace and stability – achieved through the disarmament of cattle rustlers – has paved the way for unprecedented investment trends.

Dr. John Baptist Lokii, the Minister for Karamoja Affairs-designate, noted that the region is no longer seen as a volatile periphery but as an emerging industrial zone.

He cited the rise of cement and marble factories, alongside large-scale mining operations, as evidence that Karamoja is becoming one of the most attractive investment destinations in Uganda.

Echoing these sentiments, the Ethics and Integrity Minister-designate, Rose Lilly Akello, thanked the President for his affirmative action policies in the region.

She emphasised the importance of leadership cohesion to drive development and noted that the airport project fulfills a critical government pledge to the people of Karamoja.

Regulatory oversight remains a priority for the multi-million-dollar project.

Olive Birungi Lumonya, the Deputy Director General of the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority [UCAA], outlined the rigorous regulatory assessments conducted to ensure the airport meets international aviation standards.

She further provided updates on the government’s broader strategy to enhance regional connectivity, noting that the Kidepo project complements ongoing assessments and implementation works at other regional airports, including Arua, Gulu, Lira, Kasese, and Kabalega.

The construction of Kidepo International Airport represents a paradigm shift for the Karamoja Sub-region. By bridging the gap between local resources and international markets, the project aims to replace subsistence lifestyles with high-value commercial enterprises. As the 3.6-kilometre runway takes shape in the heart of Karenga, it serves as a symbol of the government’s commitment to inclusive growth and the transformation of Uganda’s northern frontier into a vibrant center for global trade and tourism.

https://thecooperator.news/contractor-to-hand-over-kabalega-international-airport-this-september/

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