Museveni promises airport and new roads as Karamoja reaps peace dividend
Karenga/Kaabong, Uganda — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has praised the transformation of the Karamoja sub-region, highlighting four decades of progress in peace, education, and infrastructure while unveiling new development projects to boost connectivity and tourism.
Addressing residents in Karenga, Museveni reflected on the region’s journey from insecurity to stability, crediting the government’s disarmament efforts for restoring peace and order.
“Where cattle rustling once brought death and fear, we brought security and order through successful disarmament,” he said. “Now, Karamoja enjoys peace; our children are in school, health services have improved, and electricity has reached Karenga.”
The President announced plans to improve transport links, including the Kitgum–Namukora–Karenga–Kidepo road and the Moroto–Kotido–Kaabong upgrade, which he said would open up trade and tourism across the sub-region.
Later in Kaabong, Museveni applauded the region’s demographic and social progress, noting the population growth from 190,000 in 1980 to 264,000 in Kaabong District alone today, a sign of improved health services and successful immunisation campaigns.
“When I first came to Karamoja, the population was 190,000. Today, Kaabong alone has 264,000 people, thanks to good planning and immunisation,” Museveni said.
Looking to the future, he announced plans for an international airport in Karamoja to tap into tourism opportunities from Kidepo Valley National Park, one of Uganda’s most pristine attractions. He also urged residents to embrace the Parish Development Model (PDM) to grow the local economy through agriculture and livestock production.
“Let us produce milk, fruits, and vegetables so visitors buy from us. Our mission is not only politics but lifting our people out of poverty,” he said, ending his address with the local expression, “Alakara noi!” (Thank you).
The visit marks another leg of Museveni’s regional engagements ahead of the 2026 elections, reinforcing the NRM’s message of peace, prosperity, and continued transformation.
