By Diana N. Kintu
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has officially launched the construction of Kidepo International Airport in Karenga District, a project expected to transform tourism, trade and investment in the Karamoja sub-region.
The airport, funded by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UAE) at an estimated cost of more than USD 72 million, will feature a 3.6-kilometre runway, a 7,408-square-metre passenger terminal and a 74,200-square-metre cargo terminal, among other extensive aviation facilities.
Addressing residents of Karenga District and the wider Karamoja sub-region, President Museveni highlighted the opportunities the airport will create.
“Now, Kidepo, which you wanted to destroy with goats, sheep and donkeys, is now bringing you this investment here, an airport like Entebbe International Airport,” he said.
He commended communities near Kidepo Valley National Park for voluntarily providing land for the project and assured them of substantial benefits through tourism, wildlife conservation and trade.
The President urged the people of Karamoja to broaden their participation in commercial enterprises, pointing to four viable sectors identified by the NRM government: tourism, commercial agriculture, manufacturing and information and communications technology (ICT).
He noted that the global tourism sector is valued at USD 11.6 trillion and emphasised the need for Ugandans to move away from subsistence activities.
“Please let us understand what is good for our country, Uganda. Services are very important in modern economies,” Museveni stated.
Museveni also encouraged global investors to take advantage of Uganda’s growing market opportunities, assuring them of favourable returns on investment. He praised the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry for choosing Uganda, noting that the project currently employs 1,620 Ugandans and will be implemented in three phases.
H.E. Abdallah Mohamad Sultan Alowais, Chairman of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, commended the residents of Karenga District for welcoming and supporting the project. Leaders from Karamoja reported increasing investment in the area following the peace and stability achieved through the disarmament of cattle rustlers.
Dr John Baptist Lokii, Minister for Karamoja Affairs-designate, cited cement factories, marble-processing plants, mining operations and the airport project as examples of investments already established in the sub-region. He described Karamoja as an increasingly attractive destination for investment.
Ms Olive Birungi Lumonya, Deputy Director General of the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority, outlined the regulatory assessments conducted for the project and affirmed its compliance with aviation standards.
The launch of Kidepo International Airport marks a significant milestone in Uganda’s infrastructure development. The project is expected to position Karamoja as a major hub for tourism and trade while reinforcing the Government’s commitment to economic transformation.
Source: Presidential Press Unit (PPU), State House Uganda, June 2026.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni unveils the foundation stone during the official groundbreaking ceremony for Kidepo International Airport in Karenga District
Local communities in Karenga District welcome the Kidepo International Airport project with vibrant traditional performances.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (center) in a group photograph with international development partners from the United Arab Emirates, cabinet ministers, and technical teams following the successful groundbreaking ceremony for Kidepo International Airport in Karenga District.