Uganda has entered into an agreement with a business group from the United Arab Emirates to construct a new international airport, according to a statement from President Yoweri Museveni’s office on Friday. The pact, which marks Uganda’s third international airport, broadens the UAE’s economic activities beyond renewable energy and oil and gas sectors.
The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry from the UAE will be responsible for building the airport near Kidepo National Park in northeastern Uganda, close to the Kenyan border. While the statement did not disclose the project’s cost, construction is scheduled to commence in August, as per Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, chairman of the Sharjah business group.
The new airport is expected to enhance tourism by attracting more visitors to the 1,442-square-kilometer (557-square-mile) Kidepo park, renowned for its lions, giraffes, buffaloes, and other wildlife.
President Museveni, who was present at the signing, commented on X that the agreement signifies the deepening relationship with Gulf partners and presents new opportunities for investment and trade collaboration.
Implications for the Future of Uganda’s Tourism and Transport
The construction of a third international airport in Uganda is poised to significantly boost the country’s tourism and transport sectors. By improving access to the remote and wildlife-rich Kidepo National Park, the new airport is expected to draw a greater number of tourists, enhancing the country’s appeal as a travel destination.
Additionally, the airport will improve regional connectivity, facilitating smoother and more efficient transport of goods and passengers within East Africa and beyond. This development represents a substantial step forward in Uganda’s infrastructure growth, positioning the country as a more attractive hub for tourism and commerce.
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