The Ministry of Works and Transport has taken a significant step towards boosting trade and tourism in the Rwenzori region by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China State Engineering Construction Company (CSEC) to upgrade Kasese Airstrip into an international airport.
The agreement was signed Tuesday on between the Minister for Works Gen. Wamala Katumba, and a team from CSECC led by Yu Tao, the president and CEO of CSCEC Middle East, which oversees the company’s operations in the UAE and other Gulf states, including Uganda.
According to the MoU, CSEC will pre-finance the project, and its undertakings shall include constructing the airport facilities, including the runway, terminal building, and other infrastructure.
Gen. Katumba revealed that the Chinese company is to review the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) master plan and then unveil the Ministry with designs for the Kasese International Airport.
This development is expected to have a profound impact on the region’s economy and tourism industry.
Boosting Trade
The upgrade of Kasese Airstrip to an international airport will boost trade in the region in several ways:
Increased Accessibility
The international airport will provide easier access to the region for businesses, investors, and traders, facilitating the transportation of goods and services.
Improved Logistics
The airport’s upgraded facilities will enable more efficient logistics and cargo handling, reducing transportation costs and increasing the competitiveness of local businesses.
Economic Growth
The increased trade activity will contribute to economic growth, creating new opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs in the region.
Promoting Tourism
The upgrade of Kasese Airstrip to an international airport will also promote tourism in the Rwenzori region by:
Increasing Tourist Access
The international airport will provide easier access to the region for tourists, increasing the number of visitors to the Rwenzori Mountains, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and other tourist attractions.
Enhancing Tourist Experience
The upgraded airport facilities will provide a more comfortable and convenient experience for tourists, encouraging them to stay longer and explore the region’s natural beauty.
Creating Jobs
The tourism industry will create new job opportunities for locals, contributing to economic growth and development.
The upgrading of Kasese Airstrip to an international airport is a significant development that will boost trade and tourism in the Rwenzori region.
The project will increase accessibility, improve logistics, and promote economic growth, creating new opportunities for businesses and tourists.
With its strategic location and natural beauty, the Rwenzori region is poised to become a major tourist destination, and the upgraded airport will play a critical role in facilitating this growth.