ARUA, Uganda — The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has approved financing worth approximately Shs650 billion for the expansion and modernization of Arua Airport, paving the way for what officials hope will become Uganda’s second international airport after Entebbe.
The funding approval marks a major milestone for the West Nile sub-region, where leaders, businesses and residents have for years advocated for improved transport infrastructure to unlock economic growth and strengthen regional connectivity.
Under the planned redevelopment, Arua Airport will undergo a comprehensive upgrade that includes the construction of a longer and stronger runway capable of accommodating larger international aircraft. The project will also deliver a modern passenger terminal, cargo handling facilities, upgraded taxiways and enhanced aviation safety and navigation systems.
Government officials say the investment will significantly improve air transport services in northwestern Uganda while positioning Arua as a strategic gateway linking Uganda to regional markets in South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The airport’s location near key international borders is expected to strengthen cross-border trade and transform Arua into a regional logistics, transportation and commercial hub.
Officials believe the upgraded facility will attract new investments in tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, mineral exports and other sectors that depend on efficient transport networks. Improved air connectivity is also expected to reduce travel times and facilitate easier movement of goods and people between Uganda and neighboring countries.
The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) has welcomed the AfDB financing, describing it as a significant step toward expanding the country’s aviation infrastructure and reducing pressure on Entebbe International Airport, which currently handles the vast majority of Uganda’s international air traffic.
For many residents and business leaders in West Nile, the project represents a long-awaited opportunity to accelerate economic development in a region that has often cited inadequate transport infrastructure as a barrier to investment and growth.
The construction phase is expected to generate hundreds of direct and indirect jobs, providing employment opportunities for local communities. Additional economic benefits are anticipated through increased demand for hospitality, transport, logistics and other support services once the airport begins operating at an international standard.
Leaders in the region say the development could transform Arua’s economic landscape by attracting airlines, investors and tourists while strengthening Uganda’s position as a regional trade and transport hub.
Upon completion, the expanded Arua Airport is expected to become one of the country’s most important aviation facilities, enhancing Uganda’s connectivity to regional and international markets and opening new opportunities for the West Nile sub-region.
