Uganda has officially launched the construction of the runway for Kidepo International Airport, marking a major milestone in the country’s efforts to expand air transport infrastructure, boost tourism, and open up the Karamoja sub-region to international investment. President Yoweri Museveni presided over the groundbreaking ceremony in Karenga District on Thursday.
The new airport, which is being developed near Kidepo Valley National Park, is expected to become Uganda’s third international airport after Entebbe International Airport and Kabalega International Airport. Officials say the project will significantly improve connectivity to one of Africa’s most renowned wildlife destinations while creating new opportunities for trade and investment in northeastern Uganda.
The airport project stems from a partnership signed in 2024 between the Government of Uganda and the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Under the agreement, the UAE-based organization committed to constructing the airport and supporting tourism-related developments, including hotels near the national park.
According to project details, Kidepo International Airport will feature a runway measuring approximately 3,500 metres, capable of accommodating large international aircraft. Once completed, the facility is expected to handle up to two million passengers annually, making it one of the country’s largest aviation hubs.
Government officials believe the airport will transform tourism in Karamoja by providing faster access to Kidepo Valley National Park, which is famous for its wildlife, including lions, giraffes, buffaloes and other iconic African species. The project is also expected to stimulate business activity, create jobs and improve access to markets in a region that has historically faced infrastructure challenges.
The groundbreaking ceremony attracted government leaders, local officials and residents who hailed the project as a major step toward integrating Karamoja into Uganda’s broader economic development agenda. Supporters of the project described it as a gateway that will connect the region more directly to international visitors and investors.
The airport forms part of Uganda’s wider Vision 2040 strategy, which seeks to expand transport infrastructure, enhance regional connectivity and drive economic growth through strategic investments in aviation, tourism and trade. When completed, Kidepo International Airport is expected to become a key catalyst for development in Karamoja and the wider northern region.
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