Construction has begun on Kidepo International Airport in Uganda’s Karamoja – a project expected to improve access to Kidepo Valley National Park.
Located in Lomej, near the park’s headquarters, the airport is being developed through a partnership between the government of Uganda and the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the United Arab Emirates.
“It is anticipated that the airport will boost tourism and accelerate development in Karamoja,” said Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni at the sod-turning ceremony. “Karamoja has come a long way from the days of insecurity, cattle rustling and lawlessness. The restoration of peace has created the conditions for development.”
The airport is expected to improve access to one of Uganda’s most remote safari destinations, Kidepo Valley National Park, more than 500km from Kampala. The park is currently reached primarily by road on a journey that can take eight hours or longer, particularly during the rainy season.
Uganda Civil Aviation Authority Deputy Director General Olive Birungi Lumonya said all regulatory, technical and environmental assessments were completed prior to the commencement of construction.
The airport will be a Code 4E international facility for wide-body aircraft such as Boeing 777-200ER and 747 and Airbus A330 and A340. Future expansion to Code 4F is included in plans positioning the airport as one of the most advanced aviation facilities in the region.
The plans include a 3 000 metre-long, 60 metre-wide runway suitable for regional and international operations. Construction of 12.3 kilometres of access roads is underway to support logistics and connectivity.
Officials say careful planning was necessary to balance development with conservation around the park, which is home to elephant, lion, giraffe, buffalo, cheetah, ostrich and more than 75 mammals.
Tourism potential
Tim Buhaburwa, Chief Executive Officer of Zebra Safari Lodge-Kidepo, believes the project will open up new opportunities for Uganda’s tourism industry.
“Kidepo has always been a hidden gem. Conservation and tourism contribute significantly to GDP. This airport will greatly increase those returns,” he said.
“This will bring increased revenues to Uganda Wildlife Authority through park fees, to government through taxes and to local communities through cultural visits, crafts and food supply chains.”
Tourism operators also expect reduced safari costs, which have historically been expensive due to fuel consumption, vehicle maintenance and long travel distances.
Theo Vos, Managing Director of Kara-Tunga and the Kara-Tunga Foundation, which has worked on tourism development in Karamoja for over a decade, believes the airport will integrate the region into broader East African tourism circuits.
“Currently, Karamoja is a trending destination. The only thing we are lacking is connectivity. Facilities will come with it. With improved connectivity, we can develop regional tourism packages linking Uganda with Kenya, Rwanda and even Ethiopia,” Vos said. “This airport will open international routes and create opportunities for multi-country safari experiences.”
However, stakeholders acknowledge significant challenges. Chief among them is accessibility beyond the airport, particularly on wet roads.
“Half of the tourism circuit is now tarmacked and this airport sits in the middle of it,” Vos said. “The government still needs to complete road networks and ensure smooth connectivity.”
Other experts emphasise the need for more accommodation facilities, noting that Kidepo currently has limited lodging options compared to other major safari destinations in East Africa.
There are also calls for stronger cultural tourism development, improved guide training, better wildlife viewing infrastructure, expanded digital connectivity and increased community participation in tourism enterprises.
Conservationists caution that development must not compromise the park’s ecological integrity. They argue that Kidepo’s value lies in its remoteness, low visitor density and untouched wilderness character.
Despite these challenges, optimism remains high. “Kidepo is one of the most scenic safari parks in Africa,” Vos said. “It offers something rare – untouched wilderness, rich wildlife and authentic cultural experiences. With the right investment, it can become one of Uganda’s leading tourism destinations.”
