Government to Build Uganda’s Second Biggest International Airport in Kidepo; Develop Arua Aerodrome Into an International Airport
By The Public Lens
Talks are in high gear between the government of Uganda and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the construction of the second largest International Airport at Kidepo.
Government also intends to develop the Arua Aerodrome into an international airport to realize its objective as stipulated in Vision 2040 and the National Development Plan III, particularly the development of airport infrastructure, among others.
This was on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, disclosed by Tom Butime, the Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquitiethis during the launch of the tourism industry performance report for 2023 at Hotel Africana.
“Kidepo International Airport will boost our tourism. Tourists will arrive at Kidepo, drive through Gulu to Murchison, Fort Portal, Kibaale, Semuliki, Mt Rwenzori, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Mbarara, Lake Mburo, and back to Kampala,” the minister said.
The report indicates that the sector is on a steady path to recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, moving closer to pre-pandemic international tourism each year after the initial drop in 2020.
This demonstrates a strong rebound in the tourism sector, with only 17% not covered. This is attributed to the lifting of travel restrictions and global vaccination efforts easing the effects of the pandemic.
The Kidepo International Airport construction plan comes weeks after the Government signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with East of Eden (U) Ltd (EOE), a private company incorporated in Uganda to undertake a feasibility study to develop Arua Airport into an International Airport under build, operate and transfer model.
Arua Airport is the second-busiest airport in Uganda, after Entebbe International Airport.
The Minister of Works and Transport Gen Katumba Wamala on February 28, 2024, signed a memorandum of understanding with the investor following approval by the Solicitor General.
Sandra Zawedde the EOE (U) Ltd Chairperson signed on behalf of the investor. The pact was witnessed by her company secretary Lydia Nakamalira Tamale, Ministry of Works and Transport Permanent Secretary, Waiswa Bageya, and Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) director general, Fred Bamwesigye.
