The African Development Bank Group has approved loans of €155.99 million (approximately £134.4 million) to transform Arua Airport in Uganda into an international-standard facility, with the total project cost estimated at €157.76 million (around £136 million). The Ugandan government will cover the remaining balance.
Project Scope and Capacity Boost
The upgrade, part of Phase 1 of the Uganda Airports Development Programme, aims to improve domestic and regional connectivity through safer, more efficient and climate-resilient aviation infrastructure. Key components include a 3.5-kilometre paved runway capable of handling large aircraft such as the Boeing 777, new taxiways and aprons, a passenger terminal with annual capacity for 700,000 travellers, and a cargo terminal designed to handle 25,000 tonnes per annum. A new control tower, access roads, car parking and modern safety systems will also be constructed.
Economic and Social Impact
According to the African Development Bank Group, over half a million people in Arua City and District are set to benefit directly from the programme, while the wider West Nile region, home to more than 3.3 million people, will gain from improved transport and investment opportunities. The programme is expected to create about 500 direct jobs during construction and more than 1,400 indirect jobs in tourism, agriculture and trade. It will also provide skills training for at least 100 young people, including women, in engineering, construction and equipment operations.
Strategic Importance
Fred Bamwesigye, Director General of the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority, which will implement the project under the Ministry of Works and Transport, said: "Arua Airport is currently the second busiest in the country after Entebbe International Airport and has immense growth potential." He added that the airport will also function as an alternative to Entebbe during emergencies. "We are highly grateful to the African Development Bank for its invaluable partnership and support in this transformative project," he said. A scheduled completion date has not yet been announced.
