President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni engaged in discussions with a delegation from the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry in a significant meeting held at State House Entebbe. The delegation, headed by H.E Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of the chamber’s Board of Directors, met with President Museveni to deliberate on the ongoing developments within the Kidepo Valley National Park.
H.E Abdallah Sultan and his delegation provided the President with an update on the advancements in the construction of an airport within the national park. President Museveni expressed his approval for the airport’s construction. However, he advised the investors to prioritize the safety and well-being of the park’s wildlife, emphasizing the importance of responsible development.
In a bid to support and encourage the project, President Museveni assured the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry that they would receive tax exemptions during the course of the project. Furthermore, he pledged to collaborate with the Uganda Hotel Owners Association to facilitate the construction of hotels in the vicinity. These accommodations would cater to passengers utilizing the new airport.
Highlighting the technical aspects of the airport, H.E Abdallah Sultan informed the President that upon completion, the airport would feature a 3,500-meter runway, allowing it to accommodate aircraft like the Boeing B777.
The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce & Industry was established by an Amiri decree in 1970 to play a vital role in Sharjah’s economic life. Its primary aim is to foster growth and prosperity across various sectors, including trade, industry, agriculture, digital technologies, and professional services, in collaboration with relevant local entities.
Sharjah, the third-most populous city in the United Arab Emirates, forms an integral part of the Dubai-Sharjah-Ajman metropolitan area.
Notable attendees at the meeting included the Attorney General, Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka, the Minister of State for Works and Transport, Hon. Fred Byamukama, and the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Okello Oryem. Their presence underscored the significance of the discussions held regarding this collaborative venture between Uganda and the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce for the development of the Kidepo Valley National Park.