Uganda and UAE sign agreement to construct third international airport

Uganda Signs Deal with UAE to Build Third International Airport

Uganda has signed a pact with a business association from the United Arab Emirates to build a new international airport, President Yoweri Museveni’s office announced on Friday. This agreement marks a significant step in Uganda’s infrastructure development and showcases the strengthening ties between Uganda and its Gulf partners.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Uganda and the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce, led by their Chairman, Abdallah Sultan Al Owais. This agreement is a symbol of the deepening relations between Uganda and the UAE and presents another opportunity to cooperate in investment and trade, according to President Museveni. The signing ceremony was a testament to the growing partnership and mutual interests between the two nations.

The new airport, named Kidepo International Airport, will be constructed in Karamoja, just outside the Kidepo National Park in the northeast region near Uganda’s border with Kenya. This location is strategic as it will enhance access to one of Uganda’s most scenic and wildlife-rich regions, potentially transforming the area into a major tourist destination. The construction of the airport is scheduled to begin in August, as stated by Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, chairman of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

This deal for the East African nation’s third international airport expands the UAE’s economic footprint in Uganda, which already includes significant interests in the renewable energy and oil and gas industries. The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry will oversee the construction of the airport, further enhancing the UAE’s involvement in Uganda’s infrastructure development. This move is part of a broader strategy by the UAE to diversify its economic engagements in Africa, beyond its traditional sectors.

The strategic location of Kidepo International Airport near the Kidepo National Park is expected to significantly boost tourism by attracting visitors to the 1,442-square-kilometer (557-square-mile) park. Kidepo National Park is renowned for its diverse wildlife, including lions, giraffes, buffaloes, and other big game. The new airport will facilitate easier access for tourists, thereby promoting the region’s tourism potential and contributing to the local economy. Improved infrastructure will likely lead to increased visitor numbers, providing a substantial boost to the hospitality and service industries in the region.

President Museveni emphasized the importance of this agreement in his statement, highlighting that the MoU is a symbol of the strengthening ties with Gulf partners and an opportunity to foster cooperation in investment and trade. Museveni, who witnessed the signing of the MoU, expressed optimism about the benefits this new development will bring to Uganda. He stated, “The construction of Kidepo International Airport is a significant milestone that will open up the Karamoja region, facilitate tourism, and foster economic growth.”

The agreement was “a sign of the deepening relations with our Gulf partners and another opportunity to cooperate in investment and trade,” Museveni said in a post on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. His remarks underscore the strategic importance of the project in the context of Uganda’s broader economic and development goals.

The construction of Kidepo International Airport represents a significant step in Uganda’s infrastructure development, aiming to enhance connectivity and support the country’s growing tourism industry. This project aligns with Uganda’s broader economic goals of attracting foreign investment and promoting sustainable development. The new airport will serve as a crucial hub for tourists and business travelers, providing improved access to the remote and picturesque Karamoja region.

This development is expected to drive economic growth in the region, create job opportunities, and contribute to the conservation of the park’s unique ecosystem. By facilitating easier travel to the Kidepo National Park, the airport is expected to attract more visitors, thereby generating revenue that can be reinvested into local communities and conservation efforts. The increased tourism will also necessitate the development of additional infrastructure, such as hotels, restaurants, and other services, further boosting the local economy.

The signing of the MoU between Uganda and the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce signifies a milestone in Uganda’s efforts to strengthen international partnerships and attract foreign investment. The construction of Kidepo International Airport is set to begin in August, marking the start of a project that will enhance Uganda’s infrastructure, boost tourism, and promote economic development in the Karamoja region. This initiative reflects Uganda’s commitment to leveraging strategic partnerships for national development and underscores the importance of international cooperation in achieving sustainable growth.