CAA (AMENDMENT) ACT 2019 EMPOWERS AVIATION AUTHORITY

Following H.E. The President of Uganda’s assent to the CAA (Amendment) Act 2019, there has been a change of Company name from Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) and the regulatory Authority has been further empowered to undertake certain actions.

One of the salient changes in the Act provides for empowerment and granting unrestricted access to UCAA inspectors to inspect aerodromes, air operator premises and aircraft without prior notice. It also provides for on-spot penalties, among others, to enhance safety and efficiency in services provision.

Under the old Act, CAA inspectors had to first seek permission from air operators and aerodrome operators to visit their premises, for routine inspections, which often compromised Uganda’s scores in relation to Aviation Legislation in previous International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) audits.

The other amendment is the change of title for the head of UCAA from Managing Director to Director General and the same applies to the title of the Deputy Managing Director, which has now changed to Deputy Director General. Other changes were aimed at ensuring harmonization of Uganda’s regulations and practices with the Universal practice across the globe. The changes take immediate effect.

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