Minister Gen Katumba Wamala (2nd Left) and UCAA Director General, Fred Bammwesigye (2nd Right) attending the aviation stakeholders engagement held at Four Points by Sheraton Hotel on Tuesday
The Minister for Works and Transport Minister, Gen. Katumba Wamala has commended the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) on “commendable achievements” in 2024.
Gen. Katumba was speaking as chief guest at a breakfast meeting organized by UCAA to share updates with aviation stakeholders on the Authority’s 2024 milestones and plans for 2025.
“In a special way, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the entire aviation industry in Uganda for the 81.6% score, an outstanding performance in the Universal Security Audit Program – Continuous Monitoring Approach (USAP-CMA). This reinforces the international community’s confidence in Uganda’s aviation security systems. The USAP-CMA results provide a strong foundation for international airlines operating in and out of Entebbe International Airport to make informed investment decisions. Failing such an international audit would have had significant repercussions for the country’s security and reputation. The fact that Uganda did not register a Significant Security or Safety Concern in two back-to-back international safety and security audits is truly commendable and worth celebrating,” said Gen. Katumba at an event held at Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, Kampala on Tuesday.
He, however, said that following the excellent performance in the security audit, UCAA and all aviation industry stakeholders in Uganda must not rest on their laurels, but “strive even harder to ensure consistent excellence in facilitating seamless travel through Entebbe International Airport.”
While safety and security are key in the aviation industry, Gen. Katumba said that “smooth facilitation of passengers is also paramount and naturally expected.”
“The Ministry of Works and Transport places great importance to the aviation sub-sector, recognizing its critical role in providing direct international access and promoting tourism, trade, and socio-economic development. We fully support all efforts aimed at enhancing the vibrancy and effectiveness of air transport. To this end, the Ministry of Works and Transport has taken significant steps towards ensuring having in place additional Bilateral Air Services Agreements (BASAs) with other countries to develop a robust air transport network that connects Uganda to major cities worldwide. Currently, Uganda has 58 BASAs with various states, a positive step towards expanding route options,” said Gen. Katumba.
He added: “The most recent BASA was signed with Serbia on October 25, 2024 on the side-lines of the Joint Commission for Trade Cooperation held in Serbia. Earlier on, Uganda signed another BASA with Oman and held discussions with Latvia at the ICAO Air Services Negotiation Event (ICAN) in Malaysia in October 2024. BASAs are important for the aviation industry because they enhance connectivity, pave the way for commencement of flights between states, and provide a mechanism for air transport regulation.”
Gen. Katumba said Uganda’s aviation industry is now preparing to host the 48th East African Community (EAC) Consultative Facilitation Meeting on Air Transport from 26-28 February 2025, a regional engagement hosted in rotation by EAC states.
He appealed to “everyone to play their part in the arrangements to ensure the smooth and seamless facilitation of delegates attending the meeting, and to share knowledge in overcoming related challenges.”
Justice Steven Kavuma, the Board Chairman of UCAA, acknowledged the importance of Stakeholder engagements of “this nature, which ultimately enhance efficiency and effectiveness in service provision.”
“It is pertinent that regular users of the air transport system are kept abreast with developments in a timely manner,” Justice Kavuma said.
Justice Kavuma said he was hopeful of a better 2025.
“I congratulate all industry stakeholders on the major achievements recorded in the aviation industry in 2024. I commend you all for contributing towards the continued growth in passenger and cargo traffic in the industry. We look forward to an even brighter 2025,” said Justice Kavuma.
Fred K. Bamwesigye, the Director General, UCAA, in his remarks said Aviation infrastructure will be key in facilitating CHAN 2024 in August 2025.
Uganda is scheduled to host CHAN, earlier scheduled for February, but recently postponed to August 2025. The country will also co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations with Kenya and Tanzania in 2027. Bamwesigye revealed that a review of the 20-year Entebbe International Airport Master Plan was conducted and completed. He added that various stakeholder engagements were undertaken to get stakeholder input into the Master Plan. He noted that harmonization of the Passenger Terminal Buildings is part of the next steps. Designs for the harmonization have been completed, he added.
Other 2025 plans include upgrading Gulu to a code 4E airport. Bamwesigye said “and this will involve reconstruction of the runway, installation of an Airfield Ground Lighting System (AGL), and construction of a 10,000 square meters passenger terminal building, among others.”
Engagements with potential developers are ongoing, he added.
Completion and operationalization of Kabalega International Airport in Kabaale is part of the 2025 plans.
He, however, decried inadequate funding for upcountry aerodrome improvements and inadequate land for expansion.
“The current debt is increasing. Efforts to engage government agencies to have this debt cleared continue to be undertaken with support from the Ministry of Works and Transport,” he said.
