The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) has once again pledged unwavering support to the growth and modernization of Uganda’s aviation industry, with renewed emphasis on licensing reforms, safety oversight, and regional air connectivity.
Speaking during the 51st Air Services Licensing Committee meeting held at Protea Hotel in Kampala, UCAA Board Chairperson Hon. Justice Steven Kavuma reaffirmed the Authority’s mandate under Section 6(2) of the Civil Aviation Authority Act (Cap 354), which includes licensing air transport services and advising government on air service development, including Bilateral Air Services Agreements (BASAs).
“Uganda Civil Aviation Authority wishes to reiterate its commitment to the growth and development of the aviation industry in Uganda,” Kavuma said, noting that four air service applications (three renewals and one new) were tabled for review.
The applicants include Misk Air Limited, Air Serv Limited, Premier Services East Africa Limited, and Arasus Aviation Limited.
The applications were duly advertised in local print media in line with the Civil Aviation (Licensing of Air Services) Regulations 2001, and the public was invited to participate in the hearing.
Uganda currently has 26 licensed air operators providing services ranging from scheduled and non-scheduled passenger and cargo transport, to private flights, flight training, and aerial works. The country has also signed BASAs with 56 nations, enabling 16 international airlines to operate scheduled flights to and from Entebbe International Airport.
Uganda Airlines, the national carrier, flies to 13 destinations including Dubai, Johannesburg, Nairobi, Mombasa, Kinshasa, and Mumbai, and is expected to launch new routes to Harare, Lusaka, and Abuja this month.
Kavuma encouraged local operators to consider partnerships through codeshare agreements and interlining with Uganda Airlines and other international carriers to improve connectivity and stimulate traffic growth.
Acting Director General Hellen Wenene underscored UCAA’s commitment to maintaining a fair, competitive, and secure aviation environment.
“Uganda recently passed two major global audits (the Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP) in September 2023 and the Universal Security Audit Programme (USAP) in early 2024) with scores above the regional and global average,” she said.
Wenene emphasized that every license renewal or approval of new operators has direct implications for passenger and cargo volumes and ultimately, national revenue.
Indeed, Entebbe International Airport recorded a major traffic increase in the first half of 2024, handling 1,069,224 international passengers, up from 842,429 over the same period in 2023. That marks an average of nearly 5,900 travelers per day.
UCAA has made strides in modernizing infrastructure and systems. The Kisoro aerodrome has been fully rehabilitated, with plans to extend its runway from 1,200 to 1,800 meters, and eventually 2,300 meters after land acquisition.
Other strategic airfields like Gulu, Arua, and Kidepo, are being earmarked for upgrades to international status ahead of Uganda’s hosting of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The Authority has also enhanced air traffic management with new navigation technologies at Entebbe International Airport. “Aircraft can now ascend or descend smoothly with less controller intervention, reducing workload and carbon emissions, and improving flight comfort,” Wenene said.
A centralized monitoring system allows maintenance teams at Entebbe to remotely oversee technical operations at aerodromes across the country, including Soroti and Arua.
Coordination at Entebbe has also been streamlined through the Terminal Operations Control Centre (TOCC), allowing real-time information sharing among airport stakeholders such as Immigration, Operations, Security, and Customs.
Looking ahead, the Authority is finalizing automation of the Personnel Licensing (PEL) system, which will allow applicants to apply, pay, and receive feedback online before sitting for physical exams.
The system is expected to be fully operational by November 31, 2024.
Furthermore, UCAA is implementing the Civil Aviation Safety and Security Oversight Reporting Tool (CASSORT), a phased program to digitize safety and security oversight in line with international standards.
“Our investment in technology is already bearing fruit,” Wenene said. “We believe operators and stakeholders are already enjoying the benefits, and we encourage continued innovation for the growth of Uganda’s aviation sector.”
