Introduction: A Landmark Proposal for Karamoja
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has announced a sweeping development agenda for the Karamoja sub-region, highlighted by a bold plan to construct a Kidepo International Airport. Speaking at a campaign rally in Moroto District, the NRM leader framed the project as a catalyst for tourism, investment, and jobs, positioning it alongside other large-scale infrastructure initiatives across eastern Uganda.
The Airport Proposal: A Catalyst for Economic Growth
“We are going to build an international airport in Kidepo as big as Entebbe,” Museveni declared, outlining a private-investor–driven model that would include hotel development to support international visitors. He likened the vision to a stadium drawing fans, underscoring the role of air access in unlocking wildlife tourism and broader economic activity. The proposal is designed to complement Karamoja’s broader transformation, moving the region from a history of insecurity to sustained peace and growth.
The announcement follows a regional narrative of progress: a population boom (from 190,000 in 1980 to more than 1.5 million today), improved health and immunisation rates, and a strengthened unity that the President credits to the National Resistance Movement (NRM). The airport plan is presented as a natural extension of these gains, with private developers expected to fund and operate facilities that would boost regional and national connectivity.
Infrastructure Commitments and Ongoing Projects
Beyond the airport, Museveni highlighted notable milestones in electricity, roads, and water access. Electricity has been extended from Soroti to Karenga, and major road networks are undergoing upgrades to improve year-round mobility. Water security was emphasized through multiple dam and tank projects, desiltings, and new irrigation schemes that collectively aim to enhance agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods.
He acknowledged a concrete need to fix a challenging Moroto–Kotido road section, promising coordination with the Ministry of Works to restore reliable transport links. The emphasis on water infrastructure aligns with his broader growth strategy, which prioritizes reliable water supply for households, livestock, and farming, thereby supporting both subsistence and commercial farming in Karamoja.
Social Services, Human Capital, and the Four-Acre Model
The President reiterated his commitment to education and health improvements in Moroto and the wider Karamoja region. Current facilities include a mix of government primary and secondary schools, a general referral hospital, and several Health Centre IIIs that are undergoing upgrades. A centerpiece of his household transformation agenda is the “Four-Acre Model”: one acre for coffee, one for fruits, one for staple crops, and one for pasture or livestock. He frames this as a practical pathway from subsistence to prosperity, with potential for poultry, piggery, or fish farming on smaller plots as viable additions.
First Lady’s Call for Continued Support and National Unity
Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni, the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, joined the rally with a message of continued support for the NRM and President Museveni. She urged voters not to stay home, highlighting the stability and development she believes Karamoja has achieved under the NRM. Her remarks reflect the broader political context in which the airport and related projects are being pitched as benefits of national unity and inclusive growth.
Industrial and Economic Momentum in Moroto
On the industrial front, Museveni inspected progress at a major cement factory project—the Yaobai International Holding Cement Uganda–SMC Ltd. When fully operational, the facility is expected to produce thousands of tonnes of clinker daily, feeding construction across Karamoja and beyond. The president framed this development as a cornerstone for local employment and a stronger construction sector that would underpin infrastructure like the prospective Kidepo airport.
NRM Impact and the Path Forward for Moroto
Moroto District’s development trajectory—marked by the Parish Development Model and Emyooga SACCO programs—shows significant public investment in rural livelihoods, health, education, and water access. As the campaign continues, authorities signal that the airport project, if pursued, would be integrated into a broader plan to attract private investment and international tourism while delivering tangible gains for residents across Karamoja.
Conclusion: A Vision for Connectivity and Prosperity
With a declared intention to build a Kidepo International Airport on par with Entebbe, Museveni’s remarks reflect a strategic pivot toward enhanced regional connectivity as a lever for economic transformation. If realized, the airport could become a gateway for wildlife tourism, cultural exchange, and added jobs, reinforcing Karamoja’s emergence as a dynamic part of Uganda’s national development story.
