(Entebbe) – The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) celebrated the graduation of 72 Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) personnel on October 11, 2024, after completing a two week training course focused on the driving, operation, and maintenance of modern fire trucks. The training was conducted to ensure that staff are well prepared to handle emergency situations effectively.
The newly trained personnel learned to operate and maintain Falcon 6×6 specialized chassis fire trucks, supplied by East African Distributors Ltd, the sole distributor of NAFFCO products in Uganda. This training is part of UCAA’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the capabilities of its fire and rescue teams in response to the growing demands of the aviation industry.
During the pass out ceremony held at the new cargo center of Entebbe International Airport, UCAA’s Director General, Mr. Fred Bamwesigye, highlighted the rapid growth of the aviation sector in Uganda, which is marked by an increase in flights and passenger traffic. He emphasized the need for well-trained personnel to manage emergencies effectively as the complexity of firefighting and rescue operations evolves.
“As the industry grows with advances in technology, firefighting and rescue operations become more complicated and challenging,” Mr. Bamwesigye stated. He underscored the importance of equipping personnel with the necessary skills and knowledge to deal with these challenges, especially concerning the integration of emerging technologies in both fire and marine operations.
Mr. Bamwesigye assured stakeholders of UCAA’s commitment to ongoing investment in research, equipment, and personnel training to meet safety, security, and operational standards as mandated by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). UCAA has previously acquired advanced firefighting boats and other essential equipment to enhance its capabilities in water firefighting and rescue missions.
Eng. Sooma Ayub, the Director of Airports and Aviation Security, reassured attendees that Entebbe International Airport is equipped with professional personnel and modern equipment ready to respond to emergencies. He acknowledged the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders, including the Uganda People’s Defense Air Forces, UPDF Marine, Uganda Police, hospitals, Uganda Red Cross Society, and the Airline Operators Committee.
