Uganda has secured €155.99 million (about Shs650 billion) from the African Development Bank Group to support the modernization of Arua Airport, a major infrastructure project expected to transform the facility into a regional aviation hub.
The funding, approved under the first phase of the Uganda Airports Development Programme, will be used to upgrade Arua Airport to international standards, improving regional connectivity and unlocking new opportunities for trade, tourism, and economic growth in the West Nile region.
Situated about 450 kilometres from Kampala, Arua Airport serves as a strategic gateway to northwestern Uganda and neighboring countries including South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. However, inadequate aviation infrastructure has long limited the area’s economic potential and access to domestic and international markets.
Under the project, the airport will undergo extensive expansion works, including the construction of a 3.5-kilometre paved runway capable of handling larger aircraft. Plans also include the development of new taxiways and aprons, a modern passenger terminal with the capacity to handle up to 700,000 passengers annually, and a cargo terminal designed to process 25,000 tonnes of freight each year.
Additional infrastructure will include a new air traffic control tower, upgraded aviation safety systems, access roads, parking facilities, and other supporting infrastructure necessary for international airport operations.
The total cost of the project is estimated at €157.76 million. The African Development Bank will provide the bulk of the financing through a €141.15 million loan, while the African Development Fund will contribute €14.84 million. The Government of Uganda will provide an in-kind contribution valued at €1.77 million.
Officials say the upgrade will strengthen Uganda’s position as a regional trade and logistics hub by improving access to domestic and international markets while lowering transportation costs. The improved airport is expected to particularly benefit farmers and businesses in the West Nile region by facilitating faster movement of agricultural produce and other goods.
The project is also expected to boost tourism by making it easier for visitors to access the region’s cultural, historical, and natural attractions. Authorities believe improved air connectivity will attract new investment and support broader economic development across the region.
More than 500,000 residents of Arua City and Arua District are expected to benefit directly from the development, while the wider West Nile region, with a population of more than 3.3 million people, stands to gain from improved transport services and increased economic activity.
The airport will also provide Uganda with an alternative international gateway during emergencies, reducing dependence on Entebbe International Airport.
Beyond infrastructure development, the project is expected to create significant employment opportunities. An estimated 500 direct jobs will be generated during construction, while more than 1,400 indirect jobs are projected in sectors such as tourism, agriculture, trade, and transport.
The programme will also support skills development, with at least 100 young people, including women, set to receive technical training in engineering, construction, and equipment operation.
The Arua Airport modernization project aligns with Uganda’s broader infrastructure development agenda and the African Development Bank’s efforts to promote sustainable infrastructure, enhance regional integration, improve market access, and support inclusive economic growth across Africa.
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