President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has officially launched the construction of Kidepo International Airport in Karenga District, describing the project as a major milestone in the transformation of Karamoja and Uganda’s tourism sector.
Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday afternoon, the President said the airport would serve as a catalyst for economic growth in the region by improving connectivity, attracting investment, creating jobs, and opening up new market opportunities for local communities.
Museveni reflected on Karamoja’s troubled past, recalling decades of insecurity, cattle rustling, and lawlessness that hindered development and isolated the region from the rest of the country.
He noted that sustained government efforts to restore peace and stability have fundamentally changed the region’s outlook, creating a conducive environment for infrastructure development and private sector investment.
“Karamoja has come a long way from the days of insecurity, cattle rustling and lawlessness. The restoration of peace has created the conditions for the Karamoja region to develop,” Museveni said.
The President emphasized that the new international airport will significantly enhance access to Kidepo Valley National Park, one of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife destinations.
The park, located in northeastern Uganda near the borders with South Sudan and Kenya, has increasingly attracted international tourists seeking unique safari experiences.
According to Museveni, improved air connectivity will make travel to the remote destination faster and more convenient, boosting visitor numbers and strengthening Uganda’s position as a leading tourism destination on the continent.
The airport is also expected to stimulate economic activity beyond tourism. The President said improved transport infrastructure would attract investors to Karamoja, facilitate trade, and create employment opportunities for thousands of young people in the region.
He revealed that the project is already generating significant employment, with more than 1,600 Ugandans currently working on various aspects of the airport’s construction.
The development forms part of the government’s broader strategy to expand Uganda’s aviation infrastructure and unlock economic opportunities in previously underserved regions.
Museveni also praised investors and development partners from the United Arab Emirates, particularly from the Emirate of Sharjah, for partnering with Uganda on the ambitious project.
“I thank our partners from Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates for recognizing the immense opportunities that exist in Uganda and Africa,” he said.
The Kidepo International Airport project is expected to strengthen regional connectivity, support tourism growth, and accelerate socio-economic transformation in Karamoja, a region that has historically lagged behind other parts of Uganda due to years of insecurity and underdevelopment.
Once completed, the airport is anticipated to become a strategic gateway to northeastern Uganda, providing direct access to Kidepo Valley National Park and positioning Karamoja as a key destination for tourism, trade, and investment.
The groundbreaking ceremony attracted government officials, local leaders, investors, and residents, many of whom hailed the project as a landmark investment that could reshape the economic future of the region.
