Loon cleared for take-off in Uganda

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Alphabet subsidiary Loon inked a deal with Uganda’s Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) to begin flights over the country, allowing it to supply connectivity services in hard-to-reach areas and potential disaster zones.

At a media event in capital city Kampala, UCAA director general David Kakuba signed the agreement with Loon head of government relations Anna Prouse.

Following the announcement, newspaper Daily Monitor reported Loon would engage with telecommunications companies on the logistics of supplying connectivity to distant parts of the country and zones prone to natural disasters.

The agreement follows a number of test flights of Loon’s high altitude ballons, which act as floating mobile towers, in Uganda and neighbouring countries.

Loon service was deployed as a direct response to natural disasters in the Americas in 2017, following flooding in Peru and in hurricane-hit Puerto Rico.

Last month Telefonica signed a deal with Loon to use its balloons to extend its reach in rural areas of Peru, with launch scheduled for early 2020.

Adopted from: Mobile World Live December 10, 2019

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CAA impressed by Hoima international airport construction works

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Hoima, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT  |  Civil Aviation Authority-CAA has applauded the ongoing works at Hoima International Airport in Kabaale Sub County in Hoima district.

Eng. Edward Kaweesi Ndawula, the CAA Board Chairperson who led his board members on a field visit to the construction site on Tuesday, said they are impressed by the speed of the works, level of integrity and professionalism exhibited by the contractors.      

The Airport is one of the key support infrastructures for the next course of the fast paced activities leading to commercial oil production. The airport construction works, which are in the second phase commenced in April 2018.

The US$ 309 million Airport project provided by Standard Chartered Bank and UK Export Finance is being undertaken by a joint venture of Israeli-British firms, Shikun & Binui International-SBI/Colas limited.

Currently, the construction of Runways, Earth works, capping of layer, pavements, Apron and filling areas for cargo is ongoing.

Ruth Apolot, the Senior Engineer Planning and Development CAA, says the Airport component will include a terminal, Parallel Runways, Cargo facilities, a control tower, an Apron, Taxi way and accommodation for staff among others.

Apolot says after completion, the Airport will handle both Cargo and passenger flights because the terminal building will be multipurpose.

Cherif Taha, the Resident Engineer of Shikun & Binui International-SBI, says their work has slowed down because of heavy down pour that started in September and has persisted, which may affect the project completion period.

Initially the construction of the Airport was to be completed by 2020.

Adopted from: The Independent November 27, 2019

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CAA to celebrate Aviation Week with senior golfers

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USGS is made of golfers of 55 years and above. It’s head Mark Ntege believes the tournament has grown leaps and bounds.

By DARREN ALLAN KYEYUNE & PAUL ADUDE

The country is still in a delightful mode after the government in April relaunched the National carrier Uganda Airlines back to the skies after 23-year hiatus.
In Africa, aviation is not a priority mode of travel for many but as one ages, it is almost a necessity to some. And Uganda’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) spots quite well. For a fifth year running, CAA, who handle the business at Entebbe International Airport, has again chosen to stand with some of their most loyal customers – senior golfers.
CAA will mark celebrations of the International Aviation Week by sponsoring the fifth Seniors tourney at Uganda Golf Club in Kitante this weekend. The week commences December 1-7 and the two-day tournament, organised by Uganda Seniors Golfing Society (USGS), tees-off on November 30.
“Golf is a sport that shares a lot of discipline like the aviation industry which shares the same discipline, it’s a sport connected to tourism and you cannot differentiate it from CAA,” said CAA’s PRO Kenneth Otim after announcing a Shs25m sponsorship during a press conference at Kitante yesterday. “CAA intends to carry out the senior edition around the country at different aerodromes,” added Otim.
USGS is made of golfers of 55 years and above. It’s head Mark Ntege believes the tournament has grown leaps and bounds. “The edition will have both seniors and sub-seniors under 55 years,” stated the ever calm Ntege. “Last year, we had 180 golfers and we expect a similar or larger number this year from different parts of the country,” he said. Ladies above 55 years are also in the fray and the event will have subsidiaries of 65 years and below for both in the men and women’s categories.
Familiar names expected to compete include 94-year-old player Mzee Apuuli Basaliza from Fort Portal, Charles Kareeba, Amos Nzeyi and Minister John Byabagambi among others.

2019 Senior Golfers CHAMPIONSHIP
When: Saturday Nov 30 & Sunday Dec 1
Where: At Uganda Golf Club, Kampala
Mode of Play: Medal

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Uganda’s Aviation Authority scoops ‘Going Global’ award

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The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) has been crowned winner of the ‘Going Global Award 2019’, after it was recognised by the International Trade Council as the Government Agency of the year in aviation.

This award comes a month after the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) recognised Uganda with the ICAO council president’s certificate for efforts in resolving aviation security deficiencies at the ICAO Assembly in Montreal Canada on September 24, 2019.

UCAA publicist, Mr Vianney Luggya says the award is in recognition of the customer care, infrastructural improvement, training of staff and contribution towards supporting tourism and Agricultural exports facilitated through Entebbe international Airport.

“It was received by the Authority’s Manager for Marketing and commercial services Dr Tom Davis Wasswa in Chicago USA on October 23, 2019.”

The ICAO Award was in recognition of an outstanding performance in the 2017 Universal Security Audit Program continuous Monitoring Approach (USAP-CMA) in which Uganda scored 81.8% above the global average of 73% and the African and Indian Ocean States average of 58%.

UCAA has for the last four years been engaged in the upgrading of the institution of modern facilities including a new cargo centre and fuel reservoirs which will greatly improve Aviation Security and safety.

Adapted from: The Daily Monitor Wednesday October 30, 2019

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Global Aviation Body Gives CAA Security Performance Nod Of Approval

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Uganda’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has received commendation from the global aviation body which has praised the former’s security.

Following an outstanding performance in the Universal Security Audit Programme — Continuous Monitoring Approach (USAP-CMA) conducted by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) in 2017, Uganda has received an ICAO Council President Certificate in Aviation Security at a special ceremony at the ICAO Headquarters in Montreal during the 40 th Session of the ICAO Assembly running from September 24 — October 4, 2019.

The ICAO Council President Certificate in Aviation Security, which was established in support of ICAO’s “No Country Left Behind” initiative was received at a colourful ceremony at the ICAO Assembly on September 24, 2019. Uganda’s delegation is led by the Minister of State (Transport), Hon. Aggrey Bagiire. The delegation also comprises the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) Board Chairman, Eng. Edward Mike Ndawula and Director General, Prof. David Kakuba, among others.

“I am pleased to inform you that, in recognition of your State’s progress in resolving aviation security oversight deficiencies and improving the Effective Implementation of applicable ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPS), your state has been selected to receive an ICAO Council President Certificate in Aviation Industry. The eligibility criteria used for this recognition are objective and transparent and are based on the results of the ICAO Universal Security Audit Programme Continuous Monitoring Approach (USAP-CMA) activities”, an earlier letter to UCAA’s Director General from the ICAO Council President, Dr. Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu stated.

Uganda scored 81.8% in the most recent ICAO USAP-CMA audit conducted in 2017. This was well above the global average of 73% and the African and Indian Ocean (AFI) states average of 58%.
https://theugandan.com.ug/global-aviation-body-gives-caa-security-performance-nod-approval/
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Uganda wins international aviation award in air safety

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By John Masaba

Added 25th September 2019 04:40 PM

Uganda scored 81.8% in the audit which was conducted in 2017. This was way above the global average of 73% and the African and Indian Ocean (APII) states average of 58% according to ICAO.

Danielkakuba 703x422

Uganda Civil Aviation Authority Director General David Kakuba . Photo/Courtesy

Uganda scored 81.8% in the audit which was conducted in 2017. This was way above the global average of 73% and the African and Indian Ocean (APII) states average of 58% according to ICAO.

AVIATION

KAMPALA – Staff at Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) are in a celebratory mood after the entity bagged a prestigious aviation award for Uganda.

The accolade came after Uganda performed outstandingly in the Universal Security Audit Programme conducted by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

Uganda received the accolade at a special ceremony held in Montreal in Canada on September 24.

“I am pleased to inform you that in recognition of your State’s progress in resolving aviation security oversight deficiencies and improving the effective implementation of applicable ICAO standards and recommended practices (SARPS), your State (Uganda) has been selected to receive an ICAO council president certificate in Aviation industry. The eligibility criteria used for this recognition are objective and transparent and are based on the results of the ICAO Universal Security Audit Programme –Continuous Monitoring Approach (USAP CMA) activities,” said the ICAO council president Dr. Bernard Olumuyiwa.

Uganda scored 81.8% in the audit which was conducted in 2017. This was way above the global average of 73% and the African and Indian Ocean (APII) states average of 58% according to ICAO.

According to Vianney Luggya, the UCAA spokesperson, the Minister of State Transport Aggrey Bagiire, who was accompanied by UCAA staff, including Eng. Edward Ndawula (Board chairman) and Prof. David Kakuba (Director General) flew to Montreal to receive the award for Uganda.

About ICAO

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is a United Nations specialised agency, established by States in 1944 to manage the administration and governance of the Convention on International Civil Aviation (Chicago Convention).

ICAO works with the Convention’s 193 Member States (including Uganda) and industry groups to reach consensus on international civil aviation Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) and policies in support of a safe, efficient, secure, economically sustainable and environmentally responsible civil aviation sector.

SARPs and policies are used by ICAO member states to ensure that their local civil aviation operations and regulations conform to global norms.

The norms permit more than 100,000 daily flights in aviation’s global network to operate safely and reliably in every region of the world, according to the agency’s website.

ICAO also coordinates assistance and capacity building for States in support of numerous aviation development objectives; produces global plans to coordinate multilateral strategic progress for safety and air navigation; monitors and reports on numerous air transport sector performance metrics; and audits States’ civil aviation oversight capabilities in the areas of safety and security.

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ICAO-Commend-UCAA's-Aviation-Security-Performance

ICAO Commend UCAA’s Aviation Security Performance

Posted by Kamwesigye Joan In latest news, CAA News 0 comment

 

ICAO COMMENDS UCAA’S AVIATION SECURITY PERFORMANCE

 

Following an outstanding performance in the Universal Security Audit Programme – Continuous Monitoring Approach (USAP-CMA) conducted by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in 2017, Uganda has received an ICAO Council President Certificate in Aviation Security at a special ceremony at the ICAO Headquarters in Montreal during the 40th Session of the ICAO Assembly running from September 24 – October 4, 2019.

 

The ICAO Council President Certificate in Aviation Security, which was established in support of ICAO’s “No Country Left Behind” initiative, was received at a colorful ceremony at the ICAO Assembly on September 24, 2019.  Uganda’s delegation is led by the Minister of State (Transport), Hon. Aggrey Bagiire.  The delegation also comprises the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) Board Chairman, Eng. Edward Mike Ndawula and Director General, Prof. David Kakuba, among others.

 

“I am pleased to inform you that, in recognition of your State’s progress in resolving aviation security oversight deficiencies and improving the Effective Implementation of applicable ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPS), your state has been selected to receive an ICAO Council President Certificate in Aviation Industry.

The eligibility criteria used for this recognition are objective and transparent and are based on the results of the ICAO Universal Security Audit Programme – Continuous Monitoring Approach (USAP-CMA) activities”, an earlier letter to UCAA’s Director General from the ICAO Council President, Dr. Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu stated.

 

Uganda scored 81.8% in the most recent ICAO USAP-CMA audit conducted in 2017.  This was well above the global average of 73% and the African and Indian Ocean (AFI) states average of 58%.

 

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Uganda Airlines takes to the Skies

Posted by Shamilah Seyiga In latest news 0 comment

Uganda Civil Aviation Authority congratulates Uganda Airlines, the country’s national carrier, on commencement of flights with an inaugural flight that departed Entebbe International Airport for Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Tuesday, August 27, 2019 at 12:12 hours.

Uganda’s Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Ruhakana Rugunda officiated at the launch ceremony and flagged-off the first flight in the presence of the Minister of Works and Transport, Hon. Monica Azuba Ntege, Minister of State (Tourism), Hon. Kiwanda Suubi and Members of Parliament, among other guests.  The inaugural flight had Government officials and journalists on board.

The national airline has started with two Bombardier CRJ 900 aircraft with flights to seven destinations including Nairobi, Mombasa, Dar-es-salaam, Mogadishu, Kilimanjaro, Bujumbura and Juba.

“Today, we stand here as witness to this historic moment when our national carrier takes to the Sky,” Hon. Rugunda stated.

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Phase I of Entebbe International Airport upgrade half way complete

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Construction works on Phase I of the 6 phases of the Entebbe International Airport upgrade and expansion now stands at 56%; with many of the areas expected to be completed by September this year.

According to Fred Bamwesigye, the Deputy Director General at Civil Aviation Authority of Uganda, it is the Authority’s obligation to keep the Ugandan citizens on the loop about the progress of the ongoing projects.

Some of the work being executed at the first phase include construction of a new cargo center, expansion of the tax bay, renovation of runways, construction of aprons, among others.

Work done in the parking Aprons

The overall progress at the Airport parking Apron 4, which is divided into two sections, is 47% complete. The first section is expected to be fully complete by the end of this month, while the second section will be ready for operations in four months’ time from now.

The Apron is mostly used by the United Nations (UN) and according to John Sinclair M.King, the projects leader from Dar Al Handasah Consultants, after construction the apron will be able to accommodate 20 air crafts.

Another Apron, Airport Parking Apron 2, which is also being constructed to be used by Very Important People (VIP) including but not limited to the president and top Ministers upon completion, is 28% complete.

This apron will have the capacity to accommodate 5 air crafts and up to 10 in cases of emergencies.

Also Read: Cape Town International Airport to undergo US $493m major facelift

Work done in other areas

Renovation of a 2.4Km runway is currently 94% complete while extension of the taxiway and strengthening of its Alpha stands are 98% and 66% complete respectively.

Modification of the terminal building is 67% complete whereas the overall construction of water tanks stands at 94% complete.

Construction of Fuel Hydrant Line/Fuel farm is at 40% while that of the Cargo Complex is 80.47% complete.

Adopted from: Construction Review Online on August 21, 2019

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