CAA Managing Director, Dr. David Kakuba (fourth left) commissions the machines at Entebbe International Airport. Looking on is Ag. Director Airports and Aviation Security, Eng. Ayub Sooma (centre) , Mrs. Mary Odido and Airport staff.
Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)’s commitment towards improving the security and safety of passengers and other users of Entebe International Airport, crew got a boost with the commissioning of four new x–ray machines at the Airport on Wednesday, January 9, 2019.
The new equipment is to enhance efforts to improve on processes and systems that will better facilitate safety and security for airport users.
Commissioning the new X-ray machines, the CAA Managing Director, Dr. David Mpango Kakuba said the equipment which cost Uganda shillings three billion four hundred thousand is deployed at the cargo centre, luggage sorting area, customs and at the VVIP terminal.
“Security management is key to CAA these machines are state-of-the-art and provide us with a new and additional line of safety and security for our passengers, against terrorist threats and the importation or export of contraband and illegal items into and out of Uganda,” said Dr. Kakuba.
Dr. Kakuba said that the Xray machines will beef up and close any security gaps at the airport.
“The efficiency of any airport is measured by the time the passenger spends in the terminal. The equipment is certainly going to enhance efficiency and reduce on the time passengers spend while going through the Airport,” he emphasized.
Dr. Kakuba applauded the contractor M/s Spectra International Limited for timely delivery of equipment that met the prescribed specifications.
The Ag. Director of Airports and Aviation Security, Eng. Ayub Sooma said that the equipment will reduce on the queues at peak time at the arrival area and also facilitate screening of passengers in transit.
He said that the project had been successfully completed with good partnership with the contractor.
The Chief of the Joint Security Operations (CJSO), ACP James Ruhweza said that the equipment was a timely delivery as Uganda prepares for the G77 summit in December, 2019. Ruhweza cautioned the security agents at the airport not to be complacent and asked the users of the equipment to avoid underutilization of the equipment.
The Manager Aviation Security, Mr. Emmanuel Barungi gave a report of the contract and commended the quality of the equipment as per the report for the factory acceptance tests.
The CEO for M/s Spectra International Limited, Mrs. Maria Odido thanked CAA for the good project supervision and teamwork by the technical team and management. She said that her company will provide adequate training to the users. Odida urged CAA to protect and guard the machines from being damaged to ensure value for money spent.
CAA developed a 20 year National Civil Aviation Master Plan (2014-2033) in line with Uganda’s Vision 2040 to upgrade and expand Entebbe International Airport to meet the growing passenger needs and expectations and the future demands of existing and potential operators.