The Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Katumba Wamala (2nd Left) and Uganda Airlines CEO, Jennifer Bamuturaki (2nd Right) at the launch of the 55th African Airlines Association Annual General Assembly. They are flanked by Uganda Airlines cabin crew members
The Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Katumba Wamala, has said Uganda hosting the 55th African Airlines Association Annual General Assembly is a vote of confidence in the country and an indication that the revival of the National Carrier was not in vain.
The Minister made the remarks on 30th May 2023 as he launched the 55th African Airlines Association (AFRAA) Annual General Assembly at the Uganda Media Centre.
The 55th AFRAA Annual General Assembly will be held in Kampala at the Commonwealth Speke Resort Hotel, Munyonyo from 19th – 21st November 2023.
“I wish to therefore congratulate the leadership of Uganda Airlines on this achievement in such a short time despite the bumpy start that was aggravated by Covid-19. For the Airline to host such an event in just 3 years of operationalization, shows for the firm and visionary leadership,” Katumba said.
With Uganda Airlines hosting the 55th AFRAA Annual General Assembly, Katumba said “our Country is set to be marketed on a global stage. The delegates will enjoy the beauty of nature by visiting our Game parks, Trek Gorillas and immerse themselves in our culture, food, hospitality, and warmth that Uganda is known for. The event also brings to life optimism in the aviation sector and justification to nurture the next generation of aviators to grow the industry.”
He added that the Government is committed to supporting the Airline to ensure unimpeded preparations and alignment of all concerned sectors to ensure that the event is a success.
The Government also pledged support to the African Airlines Association in hosting this event.
The event is expected to attract over 500 high-profile delegates from the Aviation Industry in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and North America.
The AFRAA Annual General Assembly is the biggest Aviation Summit in Africa and will be attended by Chairmen and CEOs from African airlines, ICAO, IATA, AFCAC, Civil Aviation Authorities, Airport Companies, Air Navigation Services Providers, as well as Aircraft and Engine manufacturers, component suppliers among others.
Speaking at the same launch event, Uganda Airlines Chief Executive Officer, Jennifer Bamuturaki, said when she took on the Presidency of AFRAA in December 2023, she pledged to focus on four areas, including cutting the bureaucracy and red tape of regulatory regimes that impede intra-Africa connectivity; creating pathways for increased partnerships and collaboration within the continent to reduce the fragility of start-up Airlines; supporting initiatives that promote sustainable operations of Airlines on the continent by taking bold steps to invest in research and advocating for open skies through fully operationalizing the Yamoussoukro declarations.
“I believe that this year’s Annual General Assembly will embark on a journey to address these issues and fragility points that the industry grapples with. I also look forward to plenaries that will discuss industry action-based topics dear to my heart, like increasing safe spaces for women to thrive in aviation, creating optimism for the youth in the industry and beyond sustainability,” Bamuturaki said.
Speaking at the launch, AFRAA Secretary General, Abdérahmane Berthé stated: “AFRAA is excited to host the 55th AGA in Uganda. This will give Uganda Airlines a unique opportunity to show case its profile and its developing role in African aviation. Uganda Airlines being a young and vibrant player in aviation industry in the Eastern African sub-region, staging the AGA at the airline’s home base and hub will be a great opportunity to achieve this objective. AFRAA looks forward to host the African air transport ecosystem stakeholders in Uganda for a memorable Assembly.”
