Eronda
JF-Expert Member
- Dec 16, 2025
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President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni officiated the groundbreaking ceremony for the Kidepo International Airport in Karenga District, Karamoja region, northeastern Uganda.
The event marks a significant milestone in the country’s infrastructure development and a powerful symbol of the region’s transformation from insecurity to opportunity.
In his remarks, President Museveni highlighted Karamoja’s remarkable journey. Once plagued by cattle rustling, lawlessness, and conflict, the region has benefited from restored peace, which has paved the way for large-scale development projects.
“The restoration of peace has created the conditions for the Karamoja region to develop,” he stated.
The new airport, Uganda’s third international facility after Entebbe and another planned or emerging hub, is located just outside Kidepo Valley National Park.
This remote and scenic wilderness area ranks among Africa’s most breathtaking safari destinations, known for its dramatic landscapes, abundant wildlife—including lions, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, and cheetahs—and cultural richness of the Karamojong people
Improved air access is expected to dramatically boost tourism, which has historically been limited by the park’s isolation (approximately 700 km from Kampala). The airport is being developed in partnership with the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry from the United Arab Emirates.
An MoU was signed in 2024, with construction originally slated to begin around August of that year. Reports indicate the project is valued at approximately $72 million and will feature a 3,600-meter runway capable of handling large jets, along with a passenger terminal and cargo facilities.
