On February 1, Parliament swiftly passed the Civil Aviation Amendment Act, 2023, which now awaits presidential assent to become law. The urgency is linked to Uganda’s ongoing Universal Security Audit Programme (USAP), assessing the country’s compliance with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) safety and security standards.
Minister for Works and Transport, General Katumba Wamala, emphasized the need for international standards, especially for Uganda Airlines aspiring to be a regional hub. The USAP, conducted by ICAO, is scrutinizing Uganda’s aviation, including Entebbe International Airport.
The amendment addresses deficiencies revealed by a prior audit, the Universal Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP), held in September 2023. Gen Wamala warned of potential international reputational damage and adverse audit findings if the law’s processing faces delays.
“A finding of significant safety concern is a notice to the world that it is not safe to travel to Uganda,” he stated.
The USOAP assesses areas like legislation, organization, licensing, operations, airworthiness, accident investigation, air navigation services, and aerodromes. Players in Uganda’s aviation industry, including airlines, airports, and training institutions, undergo scrutiny to ensure compliance.
The amended law establishes a special unit to conduct comprehensive surveillance of the aviation industry, evaluating safety and security decisions’ impact. Additionally, it imposes stringent penalties for acts of violence on aircraft, damage to air navigation facilities, and spreading false information endangering flight safety.
