President Museveni Presides Over Groundbreaking for Kidepo International Airport
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Friday, June 5, 2026, presided over the official groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of Kidepo International Airport in Karenga District, a move expected to transform the Karamoja region’s economy.
The USD 72 million project is fully funded by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Once completed, the airport will serve as a major gateway to the renowned Kidepo Valley National Park, one of Uganda’s most pristine wildlife reserves.
Speaking at the launch, President Museveni noted that the restoration of lasting peace in the once-restive Karamoja sub-region has finally created the necessary conditions for development. He emphasized that the new airport will significantly improve access to Kidepo Valley National Park, which has long been difficult to reach due to poor road networks.
According to the President, the facility is expected to boost tourism, attract both local and international investors, create thousands of jobs, and expand markets for locally produced goods. Already, the ongoing construction work has employed more than 1,600 Ugandans, providing a direct economic lifeline to surrounding communities.
The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) was represented at the event by its Deputy Director General, Ms. Olive Birungi Lumonya, and the General Manager for Regional Airports, Mr. Sam Wonekha.
Government officials see the airport as a catalyst for unlocking the region’s tourism potential, with projections that it will ease travel for safari-goers and reduce reliance on road transport. Construction is expected to proceed in phases, with the first phase targeting a runway capable of handling medium-to-large passenger aircraft.
