The Minister for Works and Transport, Gen Katumba Wamala has commissioned two state of the art fire fighting trucks at Entebbe International Airport.
Speaking during the function, Gen Katumba said with the country having successfully gone through two back to back international safety and security audits but is also is implementing Corrective Action Plans in preparation for future audits, which check on the level of compliance with international standard and recommended practices, the new trucks will go a long way in ensuring safety.
“I am glad to note that acquisition of the two new fire-trucks will go a long way in ensuring that Entebbe International Airport maintains and even surpasses the international fire Category 9,” the minister said.
The trucks
The two new trucks have special features, including a specialized chassis and ability to carry a heavy load of water and foam.
One of them, Tango 21 has carrying capacity of 12,500 liters of water and 1,500 liters of foam, while Tango 22 has water carrying capacity of 10,500 liters, and high reach extendable turrets meant for piercing the aircraft body in case need arises.
The two trucks also have a foam induction system that draws foam direct from the drums.
In addition, they have great performance, with a throw range of 100 meters.
Gen Katumba Wamala said in order to maintain the operating Category 9 for Entebbe International Airport, the regulations require having 24,300 liters of water on wheels.
“ These two new fire- trucks have a combined capacity of 23,000 liters, yet there are already several other existing fire-trucks in operation, which means that the chances of the fire category going below the recommended level ae now highly minimized which is great news for the industry.”
He congratulated the UCAA Director General and UCAA management upon the accomplishment.
The UCAA Director General, Fred Bamwesigye said the aviation industry in Uganda is experiencing tremendous growth, which is reflected in the increasing number of aircraft movements and passengers hence the need to enhance professional skills for manpower that can handle emergencies.
“As the industry grows with advances in technology, firefighting and rescue operations become more complicated and challenging, thus the need to train and equip personnel with the knowledge and skills to match with the emerging technologies in fire and marine operations in order to ably handle such challenges once they occur at the airport,” Bamwesigye said.
He noted that UCAA will continue to invest in research, equipment and staff training to
meet with the required safety, security, response timelines and Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) as stipulated by the International Civil Organization (ICAO).
Bamwesigye mentioned that UCAA has previously acquired new fire-fighting boats and other equipment, and regularly trained and equipped staff with skills in water fire-fighting and rescue missions.
“The airport is currently equipped with the required professional personnel and modern equipment to respond to any emergency.”
The country’s latest BASA signing with Oman and initiation of negotiations with Sudan, India, Botswana, Russia, and Malaysia demonstrate its commitment to expanding air connectivity.
Uganda has concluded its participation in the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Air Services Negotiation Event (ICAN) 2024, held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with high hopes of securing landing rights in more countries.
The Ugandan delegation, led by Olive Birungi Lumonya, Deputy Director General of the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), successfully negotiated new Bilateral Air Services Agreements (BASAs), reviewed existing ones, and signed Memoranda of Understanding.
“These agreements are crucial for facilitating travel and trade between Uganda and other countries, with increased air traffic expected on both sides,” she said.
Uganda Airlines currently flies to 17 destinations in 12 countries, but with these new agreements, the airline is poised for expansion. The negotiations have laid the groundwork for potential flights to new destinations, including Northern Europe.
“We held our first-ever negotiations with Latvia, which is a significant step towards expanding our routes into Europe,” Lumonya noted.
The Ugandan team also reviewed existing agreements with key partners, including the United Kingdom, Qatar, and Ethiopia. Notably, Uganda secured a license to land at Gatwick Airport in July this year.
The country’s latest BASA signing with Oman and initiation of negotiations with Sudan, India, Botswana, Russia, and Malaysia demonstrate its commitment to expanding air connectivity.
“These agreements bring the total number of countries with BASAs with Uganda to 57, including 26 from Africa,” Ms Lumonya said. “A BASA outlines obligations and methods for cooperation between authorities, avoiding unnecessary duplication and facilitating certification of aeronautical products.”
With Uganda Airlines aiming to double its fleet size to at least 12 aircraft in the next five years, these new agreements are a significant step towards expanding its intra-Africa network and eventually reaching Europe and Asia.
The Ugandan delegation included officials from the Ministry of Works and Transport, Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, and Uganda Airlines.
The successful ICAN 2024 negotiations underscore Uganda’s commitment to strengthening its aviation sector and enhancing regional and global connectivity.
Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) is a government statutory Entity responsible for the promotion of the safe, secure and efficient development of Civil Aviation inside and outside Uganda. The Authority owns and operates Entebbe International Airport and 13 domestic Aerodromes and is also responsible for the provision of Air Navigation Services. On a daily basis the airport handles approximately 2,600 departing passengers. These departing passengers are expected to grow over time at a rate of 7.8% p.a. Entebbe International Airport operates 24/7 throughout the year. Baggage wrapping is one of the key services the airport offers to the passengers.
The Authority is seeking for qualified and competent Providers to Operate and Manage the Baggage Wrapping Services Concession at Entebbe International Airport (EIA). Procurement schedule:
a. Publication of Notice of Expression of Interest : Monday, 28th October 2024
b. Closing date for receipt of Expression of Interest : Wednesday, 13th November 2024 at 11:00am
c. Evaluation of Expressions of Interest : Within 15 working days from closing date
d. Display of shortlist: Within 5 working days from approval of shortlist by the Contracts Committee
Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) is a government statutory Entity responsible for the promotion of the safe, secure and efficient development of Civil Aviation inside and outside Uganda. The Authority owns and operates Entebbe International Airport and 13 domestic Aerodromes and is also responsible for the provision of Air Navigation Services. On a daily basis the airport handles approximately 5,200 departing and arriving passengers. These passengers are expected to grow over time at a rate of 7.8% p.a. Entebbe International Airport operates 24/7 throughout the year. The Food and Beverage services is one of the key services the airport offers to the passengers. These services are not only consumed by the passengers, but also the airport staff and meeters and greeters.
The Authority is seeking for qualified and competent companies to Develop, Operate and Manage Food and Beverage Concessions at Entebbe International Airport.
Procurement schedule:
a. Publication of Notice of Expression of Interest : Monday, 28th October 2024
b. Closing date for receipt of Expression of Interest : Wednesday, 13th November 2024 at 11:00am
c. Evaluation of Expressions of Interest : Within 15 working days from closing date
d. Display of shortlist: Within 5 working days from approval of shortlist by the Contracts Committee
Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) is a government statutory Entity responsible for the promotion of the safe, secure and efficient development of Civil Aviation inside and outside Uganda. The Authority owns and operates Entebbe International Airport and 13 domestic Aerodromes and is also responsible for the provision of Air Navigation Services. On a daily basis the airport handles approximately 2,600 departing passengers. These departing passengers are expected to grow over time at a rate of 7.8% p.a. Entebbe International Airport operates 24/7 throughout the year. Currently the airport has space for operating Duty-free shops for passengers and entitled persons.
The Authority is seeking for qualified and competent firms to Operate and Manage Duty- Free Retail Concessions at Entebbe International Airport.
Procurement schedule a. Publication of Notice of Expression of Interest : Monday, 28th October 2024 b. Closing date for receipt of Expression of Interest : Wednesday, 13th November 2024 at 11:00am c. Evaluation of Expressions of Interest : Within 15 working days from closing date d. Display of shortlist : Within 5 working days from approval of shortlist by the Contracts Committee
Earlier today, the Hon. Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Katumba Wamala, commissioned two state-of-the-art fire trucks at Entebbe International Airport. He was flanked by the Minister of State for Transport, Hon. Fred Byamukama, the Director General of @UgandaCAA, Mr. Fred K. Bamwesigye, and other senior officials.
The new Falcon 6×6 specialized Chassis fire trucks that were supplied by the East African Distributors Ltd of the Madhvani group mark a significant step towards enhancing aviation safety. The fire trucks are equipped with advanced features, such as high water and foam capacity, extendable turrets, and cutting-edge foam induction systems.
Earlier on, 72 of our Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting staff undertook extensive training in the operation and maintenance of these vehicles after which a pass out ceremony was held on Friday October 11, 2024.
After the commissioning, the two Ministers inspected the ongoing construction of the new terminal building, which is now 74% complete. They expressed their satisfaction with the progress being made by CCCC and commended the quality of work so far.
This initiative was sparked by a heartbreaking story of girls using soil and polythene bags to make sanitary pads, highlighted in a local media story in February 2024.
The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) and the Uganda Aeronautical Information Service Officers Association (UGAISOA) have joined forces to support menstrual health education and provide sanitary pads to girls in Namayingo and Budondo, Jinja District.
This initiative was sparked by a heartbreaking story of girls using soil and polythene bags to make sanitary pads, highlighted in a local media story in February 2024.
“We saw a story in the media about girls from Budondo using soil and polythene bags to make sanitary pads, which was appalling,” said Moses Obbi, UGAISOA President, during the prize-giving ceremony of the Aviation Run held at the Mayor’s Garden in Entebbe on Sunday, October 20, 2024. “We visited the community and discovered they needed empowerment to make their own pads.”
The 2024 Aviation Run aimed to raise funds for this initiative, which involves setting up production facilities at Namayingo Primary School and another location in Budondo, where girls will be trained to make and sell sanitary pads.
“When we went there to do the survey, we found many donations of pads that easily expire. We want to help the community with a sustainable project, so that they do not rely on one-off donations, but have something that they own as a community with frequent supervision from UGAISOA,” Obbi added.
UCAA Director General Fred Bamwesigye flagged off the runners and commended stakeholders, including DHL, Clarkson, Menzies Aviation, China Communication Construction Company, Kajjansi Executive Aviation, Uganda Wildlife Authority, National Water and Sewerage Corporation, Uganda Aviation School, DAS Aviation School, YALI, Uganda Air Cargo, Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, and Entebbe Municipal Council, among others.
“This is the third edition of the Aviation Run and besides the proceeds generated going towards supporting a sustainable health initiative, the event is also one of Uganda’s activities to celebrate 80 years of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO),” Bamwesigye said.
The top three ladies and men in the 5 and 10 kilometer categories were awarded with medals and cash prizes.
“Whether you are a winner or not, you are all champions. In the long run, your investment in health runs of this nature gives you rich returns in terms of health and well-being,” Bamwesigye added.
DHL Country Manager Joseph Odole expressed his company’s commitment to the cause. “We believe in the same cause and have come to stay as a partner and will continue contributing to the causes because we believe in our community and environment and want to support the country.”
The third edition of the Aviation Run, held today at the Mayor’s Garden in Entebbe, has brought together over 1,000 participants from various sectors in Uganda, reaffirming the growing importance of physical activity in promoting health and well-being.
Organized by the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) in partnership with the Uganda Aeronautical Information Officers Association (UGAISOA), the event also marked the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
BRUCE OMUFOTOZI
Addressing participants, the Director General of UCAA, Mr. Fred Bamwesigye, emphasized that events like the Aviation Run go beyond competition, offering invaluable health benefits. “Whether you are a winner or not, you are all champions,” he said.
The proceeds from the event will support a charitable initiative providing reusable sanitary towels to vulnerable girls in Namayingo and Budondo (Jinja district), a reflection of the race’s broader goal of community development.
Health Promotion
Running has been widely acknowledged for its positive impact on health, particularly in combating non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
In Uganda, where NCDs like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer are on the rise, promoting physical activity is more crucial than ever.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 30% of deaths in Uganda are attributed to NCDs, with physical inactivity being a major contributing factor.
Regular running improves cardiovascular health, lowers the risk of heart disease, and helps maintain a healthy weight, reducing the likelihood of diabetes.
Moreover, the mental health benefits, including stress relief and mood enhancement, align with global recommendations to encourage active lifestyles as part of a holistic approach to health.
The Aviation Run brought together a range of stakeholders, including Entebbe Municipal Council, National Water & Sewerage Corporation, and DHL.
Meanwhile, Bamwesigye said air transport is a key driver of socio-economic development, impacting sectors like tourism and agriculture, and contributing to Uganda’s post-COVID recovery.
He said the increase in passenger traffic at Entebbe International Airport—188,710 in September 2024 compared to 171,300 in the same month in 2023—reflects the sector’s continued growth and importance.
NEW CAR PARKING CHARGES AT ENTEBBE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
In a bid to enhance ongoing efforts for investment in upgrading facilities for a better passenger experience, revised car parking rates are scheduled to be implemented at Entebbe International Airport starting on November 1, 2024. The current rates have been in place since October 1, 2009.
For the short stay parking, the first hour charge for saloon cars and station wagons will be Uganda shillings five thousand (5,000/=), vans/minibuses will be charged Uganda shillings eight thousand (8,000/=), while lorries, trailers, trucks, and buses Uganda shillings ten thousand (10,000/=) for the first hour of parking. The rate for each extra hour remains Uganda shillings one thousand (1,000/=) for all categories of vehicles.
For long term car parking, the first day charge will be Uganda shillings thirty thousand (30,000/=) while additional days will remain at Uganda shillings ten thousand (10,000/=) per day. However, after 30 days of parking in the long-term car park, each subsequent day will be charged Uganda shillings two hundred thousand (200,000/=) as a deterrent. The ideally recommended period to park in the long-term car park is not more than thirty (30) days.
A flier with detailed rates for all categories, including monthly rates for frequent users of the facilities is attached, and is also available on the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority website www.caa.co.ug and on all social media handles.
The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) passed out 72 Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighter staff who undertook a two-week course in driving, operations and maintenance of the 2 new state of the art major foam tenders, on Friday, October 11, 2024.
The trainees underwent a comprehensive training that equipped them with skills to drive, operate and maintain Falcon 6×6 specialized Chassis fire trucks supplied by the East African Distributors Ltd of the Madhvani group, who are the sole distributors of NAFFCO products in Uganda.
Presiding over the pass out ceremony held at the new cargo center at Entebbe International Airport, the Director General of UCAA, Mr. Fred Bamwesigye, said the aviation industry in Uganda is experiencing tremendous growth, which is reflected in the number of new flights and the increasing number of arrivals and departures at Entebbe International Airport, thus the need to enhance professional skills for manpower that can handle emergencies.
“As the industry grows with advances in technology, firefighting and rescue operations become more complicated and challenging, thus the need to train and equip our personnel with the knowledge and skills to match with the emerging technologies in both fire and marine operations in order to handle such challenges once they occur at the airport,” he said.
Mr. Bamwesigye assured stakeholders that the Authority will continue to invest in research, equipment and staff training to meet with the required safety, security, response timelines and Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) as stipulated by the International Civil Organization (ICAO).
UCAA has previously acquired new firefighting boats and other equipment, and regularly trained and equipped staff with skills in water firefighting and rescue missions.
The Director Airports and Aviation Security, Eng. Sooma Ayub, assured guests that the airport was currently equipped with the required professional personnel and modern equipment to respond to any emergency. He appreciated efforts from stakeholders including the Uganda Peoples Defense Air Forces, UPDF Marine, Uganda Police, hospitals, Uganda Red Cross Society, the Airline Operators Committee, and other airport stakeholders for the continued support during emergency exercises and sharing of reports to maintain safe, secure, and efficient airport operations.
