Museveni lays the foundation stone for Kidepo International Airport in Karamoja
The project promotes tourism and investment and provides job opportunities.
Written by: Mohammed Omran
Ashraf Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni at the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of Kidepo International Airport in the Karenga region, describing the project as a milestone in the transformation of the Karamoja region.
During his speech at the ceremony held on Friday, Museveni said that Karamoja had made great progress compared to the periods when it suffered from insecurity, cattle rustling and chaos, noting that the restoration of peace had laid the foundation for sustainable development.
Museveni inaugurates Kidepo International Airport project to boost Karamoja's development
Museveni said: “I reminded the citizens that Karamoja has come a long way since the days of insecurity, cattle rustling and chaos. The restoration of peace has provided the necessary conditions for the development of Karamoja province.”.
The president added that the new airport will enhance access to Kidepo Valley National Park, one of Uganda's top tourist destinations, and will also help attract investors and create jobs for local communities.
Museveni explained that the project is expected to support the tourism sector, expand markets for local products, and stimulate economic activity throughout the region.
He revealed that more than 1,600 Ugandans are already working on the airport project, stressing that this reflects its direct impact on providing job opportunities.
Museveni also thanked investors and partners from the United Arab Emirates, particularly from the Emirate of Sharjah, for their confidence in Uganda’s economic potential.
The President thanked their partners, saying: “I thank our partners from Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates for recognizing the tremendous opportunities available in Uganda and Africa.”.
A step towards integrating the region into the national economy
Once completed, Kidepo International Airport is expected to enhance air connectivity with northeastern Uganda, support the tourism sector, and further integrate Karamoja Province into the national economy.
In another statement, Museveni added: “This afternoon, I oversaw the groundbreaking ceremony for Kidepo International Airport in the Karenga region. I reminded the citizens that Karamoja has come a long way since the days of insecurity, cattle rustling and chaos, and that the restoration of peace has provided the necessary conditions for the development of the region.”.
He continued: “The airport will improve access to Kidepo Valley National Park, boost tourism, attract investors, provide job opportunities for our youth, and expand markets for local products. More than 1,600 Ugandans are already working on the project.”.
He concluded by saying: “I thank our partners from Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates for recognizing the tremendous opportunities available in Uganda and Africa.”.
