The President of Uganda, Yoweri Museveni, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to construct Kidepo International Airport near Kidepo National Park.
The airport is set to start construction in August 2024 and will be Uganda’s second-biggest airport after Entebbe. The project aims to boost the tourism sector and economy of Uganda by providing a direct route for international tourists to visit the national parks.
The Minister of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, Tom Butime, said that instead of tourists arriving at Entebbe Airport and driving to Kidepo National Park, they will now land directly at Kidepo International Airport and then drive to other national parks in the region.
The move is seen as a great step in Uganda’s tourism industry, which was heavily affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.