Museveni launches construction of Kidepo International Airport

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President Yoweri Museveni on Friday, June 5, officially launched the construction of Kidepo International Airport in Karenga District.

The facility is a major infrastructure project expected to transform tourism, trade and investment in the Karamoja sub-region and northern Uganda.

The project follows a June 2024 Memorandum of Understanding between Uganda and the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce.

The airport, estimated to cost more than $72 million, is being financed by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Once completed, it will become Uganda’s third international airport and the second largest after Entebbe International Airport.

The facility will feature a 3.6-kilometre runway, a 7,408-square-metre passenger terminal, a 74,200-square-metre cargo terminal and other modern aviation infrastructure designed to support international passenger and cargo traffic.

Upon completion, the airport will feature a 3,500 metre runway capable of handling aircraft such as the Boeing 777.

Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony, Museveni described the airport as a strategic investment that will open up Karamoja to the world and unlock the region's vast economic potential.

“The construction of Kidepo International Airport is a strategic investment that will open up Karamoja to the world, stimulate tourism, create jobs, and enhance trade and investment opportunities,” he said.

The President said the airport would improve access to Kidepo Valley National Park, one of Africa’s most renowned wildlife destinations, thereby attracting more international tourists, investors and businesses to the region.

He commended residents of Karenga District for voluntarily providing land for the project, saying their cooperation demonstrated a commitment to development.

Museveni assured communities that the airport would generate opportunities through tourism, trade, conservation initiatives and improved infrastructure.

He also urged the people of Karamoja to participate more actively in the government’s key wealth-creation sectors of commercial agriculture, manufacturing, information and communication technology (ICT), and services, particularly tourism.

Citing the global tourism industry’s estimated value of $11.6 trillion, Museveni encouraged communities to embrace modern economic activities and support efforts to conserve wildlife around Kidepo Valley National Park.

The President further highlighted the transformation of Karamoja following the government’s disarmament programme, saying peace and security had created conditions for investment and major development projects.

“The peace we are witnessing today has attracted investors and enabled the government to undertake major development projects such as this airport,” he said.

Museveni also reiterated the importance of transport infrastructure; a point he emphasised in his State of the Nation Address on Thursday.

“The murram roads must be maintained always,” he said, noting that rural roads remain vital for connecting communities to markets, schools, health facilities and other essential services.

The airport project stems from a partnership between the Government of Uganda and the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The collaboration was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding signed by former Works and Transport Minister Gen. Katumba Wamala and Sharjah Chamber Chairman Abdallah Sultan Al Owais.

Al Owais said construction will be implemented in three phases and revealed that the project is already employing about 1,620 Ugandans.

“We appreciate the warm reception and cooperation from the local communities. This project will not only strengthen connectivity but also contribute to economic growth and job creation,” he said.

Located near Uganda’s borders with Kenya and South Sudan, the airport is expected to serve as a regional gateway for tourism, trade and investment.

Beyond tourism, it is expected to support industrial development and mineral exploitation in Karamoja, a region endowed with deposits of gold, nickel, marble, granite and limestone.

The project also reflects deepening economic ties between Uganda and Gulf countries. Museveni described the agreement as another milestone in strengthening investment and trade cooperation between Uganda and its Gulf partners.

Once completed, Kidepo International Airport is expected to play a key role in positioning Uganda as a regional transport and logistics hub while accelerating economic transformation in Karamoja.