Officials at the opening of the Validation Workshop of the Follow-up Study for the Development and Implementation of a Strategic Plan for Supporting and Strengthening of RSOOs
Uganda is hosting a three-day Validation Workshop of the Follow-up Study for the Development and Implementation of a Strategic Plan for Supporting and Strengthening of Regional Safety Oversight Organisations (RSOOs)/ Regional Accident and Incident Investigation Organizations/RAIOs in the AFI Region.
It’s being carried out by ICAO in collaboration with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
Speaking at the opening of the workshop taking place at Munyonyo Speke Resort Hotel from 28th – 30th April 2025, Arthemon Ndikumana, the ICAO Eastern and Southern African Regional Office Deputy Regional Director, said aviation safety remains one of the ICAO’s highest strategic priorities.
“It is only through strong cooperation and meaningful engagement, that we can collaboratively advance our common goal of ensuring a safe, secure, and efficient global aviation system. Regional Safety Oversight Organisations (RSOOs) continue to play a key role in this endeavour. By harmonising safety oversight efforts at the regional level, RSOOs support the implementation of ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) in accordance with the Global Aviation Safety Plan (GASP) and the Regional Aviation Safety frameworks. In this regard, ICAO Regional Offices and RSOOs are natural and complementary partners in building State capacity and strengthening oversight systems across the continent,” he said.
He revealed that in March 2017, ICAO and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) jointly organized the first RSOO Forum in Ezulwini, Eswatini. This landmark event culminated in the adoption of a Ministerial Declaration by 13 African Ministers responsible for civil aviation.
He noted that one of the key outcomes of this Declaration was a call for the development of a Strategic Plan and Roadmap aimed at strengthening the role and effectiveness of RSOOs in Africa. In response, the ICAO AFI Plan conducted an initial study that laid the foundation for identifying the necessary actions to ensure the effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability of RSOOs, and proposed a comprehensive Strategic Plan and Roadmap for its implementation.
“Fast forward to October 2023, during the 2nd AFI RSOOs Global Forum held in Nairobi, stakeholders raised concerns about the current funding structures and organizational configuration of the AFI RSOOs. These were identified as potential risks to the successful implementation of the Strategic Plan. Accordingly, the Forum recommended that the Strategic Plan and Roadmap be reviewed and updated through a robust feasibility analysis that would examine the advantages and drawbacks of the various options presented. The Forum concluded by encouraging EASA to take the lead in launching this follow-up study ahead of the anticipated endorsement by the African Ministers responsible for Civil Aviation,” he said.
He added that in line with this recommendation, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) contracted a consultant to carry out the feasibility study, the results of which will be presented during the workshop.
“Your feedback and critical review are vital in validating this study and providing a clear path for its implementation. The strategy and roadmap that emerge from this process must be actionable, and its success will depend heavily on the commitment and support of key stakeholders, including the Regional Economic Communities (RECs), the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), and the African Union Commission (AUC). These institutions are essential in mobilizing political will and ensuring regional alignment so that regional Organisations can play their full role in enhancing aviation safety across Africa,” he said.
Speaking at the opening of the workshop, Fred Bamwesigye, the Director General, Uganda Civil Aviation Authority, said the role of Regional Safety Oversight Organisations (RSOOs) has become increasingly vital in supporting States to meet their obligations under the Chicago Convention, particularly in the implementation of effective safety oversight systems.
“Given the diversity of capacities and resources across States, RSOOs offer a structured and cooperative platform for shared expertise, best practices, harmonized oversight processes, and mutual assistance. Uganda is a Partner State of the EAC RSOO – CASSOA. We have benefited from CASSOA through technical support, capacity building and harmonisation of the Regulatory framework among others,” said Bamwesigye.
He added that the validation workshop is a key milestone in ensuring that the proposed frameworks, approaches, and institutional arrangements for our RSOOs are both practical and responsive to our needs as AFI States. Your input during this workshop will help shape a model that is not only effective but sustainable in the long term.
“Uganda remains committed to regional cooperation in civil aviation. We believe that through unified action, shared responsibility, and continued engagement with ICAO, partner organisations and other States, we can further enhance our collective capacity to uphold the highest standards of aviation safety,” he said.
He reaffirmed UCAA’s support for this initiative and expressed full readiness to continue working alongside all stakeholders toward a shared goal of safe, secure, and efficient skies.
