President Yoweri Museveni has officially broken ground for the construction of the Shs269 billion Kidepo International Airport in Karenga District, a landmark infrastructure project expected to transform tourism, attract investment, and create employment opportunities across the Karamoja sub-region.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony on Friday, President Museveni said the airport would significantly improve access to Kidepo Valley National Park, one of Uganda’s most spectacular yet least explored tourist destinations.
“The airport will improve access to Kidepo Valley National Park, boost tourism, attract investors, create jobs for our young people, and expand markets for local products,” the President said.
The ambitious project is already generating employment, with more than 1,600 Ugandans currently working on the construction site.
President Museveni noted that Karamoja has undergone a remarkable transformation from a region once plagued by insecurity, cattle rustling, and lawlessness. He said the restoration of peace has laid a strong foundation for economic growth and development.
“This progress demonstrates what is possible when peace and stability are achieved. Karamoja is now ready to unlock its full potential,” he noted.
The airport project is being funded by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry from the United Arab Emirates, whose leadership the President commended for recognizing the vast investment opportunities available in Uganda and across Africa.
Once completed, Kidepo International Airport will feature a 3.6-kilometre runway, a 7,408-square-metre passenger terminal, and a 74,200-square-metre cargo terminal, positioning it as a strategic gateway for tourism, trade, and regional connectivity.
The new airport is expected to strengthen access to Kidepo Valley National Park, which the Uganda Wildlife Authority describes as Uganda’s most remote and least explored national park, yet one of Africa’s most breathtaking wilderness destinations.
Nestled within the semi-arid valleys of Karamoja, the park borders South Sudan to the northwest and lies just five kilometres from Kenya to the east. Located approximately 700 kilometres from Kampala, Kidepo is renowned for its dramatic landscapes, abundant wildlife, and exceptional birdlife.
The park is home to more than 77 mammal species and 476 bird species, making it a prime destination for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and international tourists.
With improved air connectivity, leaders believe the new airport will unlock the region’s tourism potential, stimulate business growth, and accelerate socio-economic transformation in Karamoja and beyond.
