The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) has officially launched the country’s first-ever Aviation Safety Week, a five-day event aimed at deepening awareness and commitment to aviation safety among industry players and the surrounding community.
Running from November 11 to 15, the initiative is being held under the theme, “Safe Airports, Stronger Together,” which emphasizes the shared role of every stakeholder in keeping Uganda’s skies and airport environments secure and sustainable.
UCAA Director General Fred Bamwesigye said the Authority’s decision to establish the safety week is rooted in a broader vision to build a lasting culture of safety at Entebbe International Airport and across the national aviation space, noting that while the sector has already made notable strides in safety, there is always need for regular reinforcement, likening it to how religious institutions regularly return to their teachings to preserve their values.
“Aviation safety is not a one-off achievement. It is a living practice. We must keep reminding ourselves and those we work with, because in aviation, everything is centered around safety, be it passengers, cargo, or air traffic control,” Bamwesigye said, adding that UCAA has over the years invested in significant infrastructure improvements, modern equipment, and digital systems to support both airside and terminal operations.
One of the key innovations highlighted was the deployment of data-based communication systems, which allow air traffic controllers to maintain safer, more efficient coordination with aircraft, especially in remote areas where traditional voice systems may be unstable.
Bamwesigye emphasized that true aviation safety extends beyond the aircraft and passengers. It also includes attention to the environment (the quality of air people breathe, the standards of airport infrastructure, and the broader ecological impact of aviation operations).
As part of the week’s programming, the UCAA also introduced new tools to improve internal reporting and safety monitoring. Col. Emmanuel Barungi, UCAA’s Director of Airport Aviation Security, unveiled a Hazard Identification Form meant to simplify the reporting of safety concerns.
He encouraged all airport staff and service providers to take responsibility and report any safety-related observations without fear.
“If you see something unsafe, speak up. Let it be part of your daily life. That’s the only way we can close gaps before they turn into problems,” Barungi urged.
He also noted the importance of building good relationships with surrounding communities, saying safety must be understood as both a technical issue and a social one. A safe airport, he said, begins with mutual respect and collaboration between the airport and its neighbors.
Eng. Ronny Barongo, the Director of Safety, Security, and Economic Regulation at UCAA echoed similar sentiments, adding that Aviation Safety Week is timely as Uganda joins the rest of the world in preparing to mark the 80th anniversary of the Chicago Convention, the foundational treaty of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
He reminded participants that ICAO has committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, and that environmental concerns must be treated as a crucial part of safety strategy.
Barongo called for the adoption of system thinking and safety intelligence, approaches that help aviation professionals to not only follow procedures, but also anticipate emerging risks and manage them proactively.
He pointed to Entebbe International Airport’s recent international certification as a clear sign that Uganda is moving in the right direction and meeting global standards.
The week’s activities have also drawn interest from local leaders, including Mayor Fabrice Brad Rulinda of Entebbe Municipality, who praised UCAA’s initiative and pledged his council’s continued support.
He acknowledged the challenges faced by residents living near the airport, such as noise pollution and concerns over security, but said the municipality is committed to helping create a harmonious relationship between the airport and the cmmunity.
“As landlords of the airport, we’re happy to be included in this important conversation. We want Entebbe to be both a safe gateway to the world and a peaceful home for the people who live near it,” the mayor said.
Uganda’s first Aviation Safety Week is expected to become an annual arrangement on the civil aviation calendar, aimed at keeping safety at the forefront while strengthening collaboration between aviation professionals, government agencies, and the communities that live and work near airports.
Through education, awareness, and shared responsibility, the UCAA is confident that Uganda’s aviation sector will continue to grow in both safety and sustainability.
