Museveni Launches Construction of Kidepo International Airport to Boost Tourism and Investment
Uganda's President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has launched construction works for the Kidepo International Airport in Karenga District, describing it as a major step toward transforming the Karamoja sub-region into a tourism and investment hub.
The project, funded by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry from the United Arab Emirates, is estimated to cost over USD 72 million and will be implemented in phases. 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 aviation infrastructure.
During the groundbreaking ceremony, Museveni said the airport is expected to significantly improve access to the remote but tourism-rich Kidepo Valley National Park, while also opening up Karamoja to trade, investment, and job creation.
“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, urging residents to embrace conservation and shift toward commercial economic activities.
He noted that tourism, currently part of a global services industry valued at about USD 11.6 trillion, presents vast opportunities for Uganda if properly harnessed. He also encouraged communities to move away from subsistence practices and engage in sectors such as commercial agriculture, manufacturing, and ICT, which he said are central to wealth creation.
Museveni further emphasized the need to protect tourism assets, particularly areas around Kidepo Valley National Park, warning against practices that could undermine conservation efforts.
He said services remain a key driver of modern economies and urged Ugandans to align with sectors that generate higher incomes.
The President also highlighted Uganda’s broader investment potential, saying Africa’s growing markets present strong opportunities for global investors. He commended the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry for committing to invest in Uganda and assured them of returns.
According to H.E. Abdallah Mohamed Sultan Alowais, Chairman of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the airport project has already created more than 1,620 jobs for Ugandans and will be implemented in three phases.
He praised the local communities in Karenga for supporting the project and providing land for its development.
Leaders from the Karamoja sub-region told the President that improved security following the disarmament of cattle rustlers has encouraged new investments, including cement factories, marble processing plants, mining ventures, and now the airport project.
Dr. John Baptist Lokii, the Minister for Karamoja Affairs–designate, said the region is steadily emerging as an attractive investment destination due to increasing stability and resource potential.
Ms. Olive Birungi Lumonya, the Deputy Director General of Uganda Civil Aviation Authority confirmed that regulatory assessments for the project had been completed, clearing the way for construction to proceed.
The government says the airport is expected to unlock tourism potential, improve connectivity to northeastern Uganda, and stimulate broader economic activity across Karamoja.
