KAMPALA – In a significant move to bolster regional connectivity and economic growth, the African Development Bank (AfDB) is advancing plans to upgrade Arua Airport into an international airport. The development comes as part of a broader initiative to modernize Uganda’s aviation infrastructure.
The Bank recently held high-level discussions with Uganda’s Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Works and Transport, Mr. Bageya, focusing on the upcoming Aerodromes Development Project. The talks served as a crucial preparatory meeting ahead of the Bank’s formal pre-approval mission for the funding.
The ambitious project is designed to align with and support Uganda’s Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV) and the national Civil Aviation Master Plan. Its overarching goal is to transform a network of regional aerodromes—Arua, Gulu, Pakuba, Kidepo, Kisoro, and Kasese—into a cohesive system of international-standard airports.
Arua Airport, located in the West Nile regional capital of Arua City, has been designated as the first-phase priority. Its strategic position makes it a vital gateway to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), South Sudan, and other neighboring nations, underscoring its potential as a hub for cross-border trade and integration.
The upgrade is expected to deliver substantial socio-economic benefits for Uganda and the wider East African region. Key outcomes projected include a major boost in regional trade, enhanced agricultural exports through cargo flights, increased tourism, significant job creation, and overall economic transformation. The project is seen as a critical driver for poverty alleviation, connecting a historically underserved region to global markets.
Stakeholders, including the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (@UgandaCAA) and the National Planning Authority (@NPA_UG), are closely involved in the project, which is being championed by the @AfDB_Group. The upgrade of Arua Airport marks a pivotal step in unlocking the economic potential of Northern Uganda and fostering greater regional stability and prosperity.
