CAA Passes Out 25 Trained Fire Fighters, Marine Rescuers

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Civil Aviation Authority has passed out 25 Fire Fighters and marine rescuers who have been undergoing a four month
training at Entebbe International Airport.

The trainees underwent comprehensive training in both marine and fire fighting which equipped them with skills related to Airport Familiarization (details of aircraft), levels of protection/Extinguishing agents, personal safety and
communication alongside diving.

Presiding over the ceremony, the Deputy Managing Director 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 at the airport, thus the need to have professional manpower that can handle catastrophes in case it occurs.

“As the Industry grows with advances in technology, fire fighting and rescue operations become more complicated and
challenging, thus the need to train our personnel who can handle such challenges once they occur at the Airport,” he
explained.

He said that CAA will continue investing in human personnel and acquiring new equipment such as marine boats and fire extinguishing trucks since the demand for the services in the country is expected to be high following the government decision of opening up new airports and the development of the country’s aerodromes which are distributed across the country.

In 2017, Entebbe International Airport handled 1,620,000 international passengers and 69,000 metric tons of cargo up from 118,000 passengers and 6,600 metric tons of cargo in 1991 when CAA was established.

Adopted online from Chimp Reports on 1st December, 2018

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Entebbe Airport expansion to be completed in 2021

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The Civil Aviation Authority has expressed optimism that expansion works on Entebbe International Airport will be completed on time in 2021.

The expansion will see the building of a new passenger terminal, cargo centre and fuel centre, at a cost of 200m dollars (about 720Bn shillings).

The expansion will boost the aviation industry of the country.

Adopted from NTV Uganda on 29 November, 2018

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Entebbe airport expansion works going according to plan – Aviation Authority

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ENTEBBE – The first phase of expansion works at Entebbe International Airport is on schedule and is expected to be completed in May 2021.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) board chairman, Mr Edward Mike Ndawula, said the works have reached 45 percent completion. “We have quite a number of projects on the expansion of the airport and we are on schedule, the first phase of the expansion will be complete in May 2021,” he said.

Mr Ndawula made the remarks after taking the journalists on a tour of the ongoing works at the departure, and arrival terminals, fuel farm, runways, cargo area and taxiways.

“As the first phase gets complete the 12-30 runway at the old airport will not have lights in the first phase because aeroplanes that are only in class c (160 passenger carriers) will be landing here during daytime. The electricity poles will be erected in the second phase of the expansion,” he said.

Mr Ndawula said there is an institutionalized progress committee meeting that looks at the projects that are ongoing every month to ensure works are completed on time.

The supervising consultant of the expansion works, Mr Mark Donald of Dar Al – Handasah Shair & Partners, said the 12:30 runway at the old Entebbe airport will be available for daytime operations for small planes as works on the main runway at the new airport commence.

“We think our windows on the main runway will be between 6 o’clock in the morning and 12 noon every day and during that period the aeroplanes coming could land on this runway as long as it’s a small aircraft,” he said.

He said they will have to limit work on the main runway at one o’clock to allow bigger air crafts come in and land on the runway.

The upgrade and expansion works for Entebbe International Airport are set to be carried out in three phases through to 2034.

The first phase’s groundbreaking ceremony was held in August 2015, while the construction of the new cargo building began in May 2016.

CAA received approval from the Parliament of Uganda to secure $200m of loan from the Export-Import Bank of China for phase one of the project in July 2015.

The second phase of works will be carried out from 2019 to 2023 at an estimated cost of $120m, while the final phase will begin in 2024 and conclude in 2034 via an investment of roughly $160.

Adopted from PML Daily on 30th November, 2018

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CAA Hands Over Search Park Site to Contractor

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Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) handed over site to IBB International Ltd, the project contractor for construction of a new Security Search Park at Entebbe International Airport on Wednesday, October 31, 2018.

CAA’s Managing Director, Dr. David Kakuba, handed over the site to IBB International Ltd.’s team comprising of Mr. Emmanuel Byaruhanga and CEO, Mr. Don Mubiri, among others.  He urged the contractor to strictly adhere to the timelines stipulated in the contract.

Speaking on behalf of the Contractor, Mr. Byaruhanga thanked CAA for the working relationship and pledged IBB International Ltd’s “Commitment to deliver the Project” in line with the expectations.

The project, expected to be undertaken in six months from November 1,

2018 is to comprise of two additional road lanes on top of the current two lanes to the airport to make a total of four lanes covering an area of about 450 metres. It will be a covered area with appropriate shelter for the security search team, motorists and people entering the Airport.

The project site is located between Protea Hotel and the CAA Head office on the road to Entebbe International Airport. On completion of the project, the Security Search point at the Airport gate used by Aviation Police will be relocated to the new site.

The move is expected to enhance efficiency and service provision as the four lanes will decongest the area and enable faster movement of traffic into the airport.

 

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Soroti and Kaabong stakeholders sensitized in search and rescue

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In order to further enhance awareness of stakeholders’ responsibilities in the unfortunate event of an emergency involving aircraft, Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) convened search and rescue sensitization workshops in the districts of Soroti and Kaabong on October 2 and 4, 2018, respectively.

The workshops were aimed at sensitizing and promoting successful coordination between CAA, local authorities and other agencies. Participants were also reminded of the need to take care of individual safety precautions.

The workshops’ facilitators included the CAA Air Traffic Management (ATM) expert, Mr. David Clay Amone, ATM Supervisor, Mr. Francis Malinga, and Senior ATM Officer, Mr. David Mwitabangoma, who presented an over view on search and rescue, rescue planning and operations and the Uganda aeronautical and maritime search and rescue plan, among others.

Search and Rescue refers to the search for and provision of aid to people in distress or imminent danger in case of a calamity.

Stakeholders raised a number of issues and recommendations for CAA to consider in enhancement of safety. There was also a proposal to consider extending aviation week celebrations to upcountry aerodromes to enable the wider public to appreciate progress made in the aviation industry in Uganda.

The Aviation week is annually observed between 1st and 7th December, of every year by the global aviation community. It is celebrated in memory of meetings that led to the signing of the famous Chicago Convention, which was signed on 7 December, 1944 resulting in the establishment of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The purpose of the annual celebration is to establish and reinforce awareness of the importance of international civil aviation in the social and economic development of States and the role of ICAO in promoting the safe and orderly development of International Civil Aviation throughout the world.

The district leadership appreciated CAA’s efforts and urged Management to continue encouraging the public to use domestic flights in order to enhance tourism promotion. The local leaders also emphasized the need to have coordinated activities and team work during search and rescue missions.

Soroti’s Resident District Commissioner, Hajji Isaac Kawooya, officially opened the workshop in Soroti and acknowledged the importance of involving the local populace in search and rescue missions to strengthen the response capabilities within the region.

The Commandant of Soroti’s Airbase, Col. Chris Kasaija reminded participants that search and rescue was a joint and “humanitarian effort”.

In Kaabong, the Resident District Commissioner, Mr. Longiro Peter Ngorok appreciated CAA’s regional sensitization efforts.

“It is always good to prepare for the unexpected and with the skills acquired we shall be in position to act in case of any emergency,” he said.

 

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CAA highlights achievements at joint transport sector review workshop

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Hon. Monica Azuba Ntege inspecting the CAA model for the upgrade and expansion of Entebbe International Airport.

Civil Aviation Authority actively participated in the 14th Joint Transport Sector Review Workshop and exhibited a model for the upgrade and expansion of Entebbe International Airport at Speke Resort Munyonyo from September 27-28, 2018.

The Authority’s Managing Director, Dr. David Kakuba, participated in a panel discussion moderated by the Minister of Works and Transport, Hon. Monica Azuba Ntege, and he enumerated a number of achievements registered in the aviation sector.

The performance review workshop was attended by over 200 transport sector players and stakeholders including Uganda National Roads Authority, Uganda Road Fund, Standard Gauge Railway, Parliament, and development partners from the World Bank, Africa Development Bank, Trademark East Africa and European Union, among others

In her speech, the Minister affirmed that the ministry’s improved performance was a step in the right direction. “Inclusive growth is at the center of our development plan in accelerating multi-modal transport systems. This year will see better performance compared to last year, given the rate at which infrastructure is being developed,” she said.

She also stressed the need for organized transport systems in order to meet global standards.

Highlighting recent achievements in the aviation sector, Hon. Ntege cited an 11% increase in international air traffic in the last five years, growth of domestic traffic by 25% from 2016 to-date, government commitment to purchase aircraft and revive the national airline and construction of Kabaale International Airport whose first phase is estimated to be completed by 2021.

While stressing the need to harmonize Uganda’s regulations with those of other global players and ensuring continued compliance with international Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs), Dr. Kakuba advocated for expeditious consideration of the proposed amendments to the CAA Act.

He explained that one of the key proposed amendments sought to create a provision for the establishment of an independent accident investigation unit that was not funded by CAA to rule out any conflict of interest. He also highlighted the need to grant air worthiness inspectors unlimited access to aircraft and private aerodromes without having to first seek permission from the parties to be inspected, among others.

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CAA Hosts Regional Aviation English Language Train The Trainer Course

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Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has bolstered it’s position and ranking on the African Continent after it successfully sponsored and hosted the regional Aviation English Language Train the trainer course.

The participants pose for a group photo with CAA Deputy MD Fred Bamwesigye on Friday.

The five day training which was held in Entebbe from 15th-19th October 2018 and conducted by the International Federation Of Air Traffic Controllers’ Association (IFATCA) had participants from Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Yemen and Algeria.

Speaking at the closure of the five day training on Friday, the Uganda Air Traffic Controllers Association President Arthur Ahumuza thanked CAA for sponsoring the course and indicated that the purpose of the training is to improve Aviation safety.

After realizing that most of the accidents were caused by miscommunication between Air Traffic Controllers and pilots, ICAO brought the initiative of training both the pilots and the Air Traffic Controllers in a common language namely Aviation English which isn’t plain English. Aviation English is a coded Language which should be understood by everyone flying and everyone controlling, explained Ahumuza.

He continued;

In Aviation English, we use Aviation Alphabet A, B, C, D to Z which becomes Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, delta up to Zulu. That is the language that will be understood and the main reason behind the language is to remove ambiguity and make it clear for everyone. In Aviation English, the numbers from 1-10 are pronounced differently. An Air Traffic controller controls the plane right from the time it starts movement from the ground, it gets Air bone and in the air, the Air Traffic Controller is still giving instructions to the pilot until a time when that plane lands again at a different aerodrome so the communication between a pilot and a controller there has to be a common language given that the pilots and Air Traffic Controllers have different origins.

Mr. Arthur Ahumuza UGATCA President (centre) poses for a photo with CAA Deputy MD Fred Bamwesigye and Ronald Vega, the IFATCA Instructor.
Mr. Arthur Ahumuza UGATCA President (centre) poses for a photo with CAA Deputy MD Fred Bamwesigye and Ronald Vega, the IFATCA Instructor.

Ahumuza also urged the Air Traffic Controllers from the different countries to use the knowledge and skills that they have acquired to train as many Air Traffic Controllers and Pilots as Possible.

On his part, Mr. Fred Bamwesigye the CAA Deputy Managing Director who presided over the closure of the training commended the Air Traffic Controllers for the significant role they play in ensuring safety and efficiency to flights both in the air and on the ground and added that the training is important because it helps others achieve the required levels of English language proficiency, which is a major requirement for licensing of controllers.

The training is aimed at promoting safety in aviation through better communication and the communication between the Air Traffic Controller on the ground and the pilots in the Air is not normal English we are talking about. The English spoken is standardized so that it is spoken everywhere, even those who aren’t ordinarily English speakers. The advice and instructions the Air Traffic Controllers issue to pilots enable them to avoid collision and ensures expeditious and orderly flow of Aircrafts in the airspace, Mr. Bamwesigye said.

Bamwesigye added;

This particular course “Train the Trainer” in English language proficiency is extremely appropriate in light of the fact that ATC-Pilot communications are the pivot on which air transport survives. I commend the International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers Association (IFATCA) for supporting controllers through organizing such trainings and the main goal of an Air Traffic controller is to promote safety, efficiency and regularity in International Air Navigation and to assist and advise in the development of the safe and orderly systems of air traffic control, and for this to be successfully done, there should be clear communication without ambiguity.

Posted on Online by Entebbe News on 22nd October, 2018

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Ugandan Air Traffic Controllers Trained in Aviation English

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The CAA Deputy M.D, Mr. Fred Bamwesigye (standing, fifth right), in a group photo with 27 Air Traffic Controllers from Algeria, Yemen, Rwanda, Kenya, Burundi, DRC, Sudan and Uganda who completed an Aviation English Language Proficiency training at Central Inn, Entebbe.

By Benjamen Emuk

Uganda last week successfully hosted an International Aviation Proficiency in English Language training for air traffic controllers.

Aviation English training dubbed ‘Train the Trainer’ which ended last Friday in Entebbe attracted over 26 air traffic controllers across Africa.

The trainees included 8 Ugandans, 5 Kenyans, 1 Rwandan, 5 Burundians, 2 Sudanese, 1 Congolese, 2 Yemenis and 2 Algerians.

English is the de facto international language of civil aviation used in aeronautical radiotelephony communications.

Ahumuza Arthur, President Uganda Air traffic Controllers Association applauded the sponsors of the training for enabling them attain the aviation English skills and revealed the significance of air controllers as far as safety in aviation is concerned.

He noted that air traffic controllers are as equally important as Pilots in the aviation practice.

“Pilots play the most vital role but they cannot operate without the help of the Air Controllers. The air controllers have to communicate effectively with the pilots to ensure smooth flights and for that matter, Aviation English Language is key for effective communication,” he said.

A five day Aviation English Training Course was organized by the International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers’ Associations (IFATCA) and hosted by Civil Aviation Authority.

The training put emphasis on improving communication between Pilots and ATC through proficiency in the Aviation English language to mainly promote regularity, efficiency and safety initiatives in the African Region and the entire international Air Navigation.

While officially closing the training, Bamwesigye Fred, the deputy Managing Director Civil Aviation Authority commended the air controllers for the roles they play in ensuring safety and efficiency to flights.

Upon successful completion, all the 26 participants were awarded with certificates which indicated that no one failed the course.

Posted on Monday, October 22, 2018 by Chimp Reports
https://chimpreports.com/ugandan-air-traffic-controllers-trained-in-aviation-english/
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Aviation experts tipped on managing compliance of ICAO SARPs

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Uganda successfully hosted an International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) senior and middle managers’ training in managing compliance of ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) at Protea Hotel in Entebbe from September 17-21, 2018.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Civil Aviation Authority’s Director Safety, Security and Economic Regulation, Mr. Sam Muneeza emphasized the importance of the training in enhancing safety through implementation of ICAO SARPs.

The Director expressed optimism that the training would enable aviation senior and middle managers, to plan, manage and continuously monitor the implementation of ICAO SARPs in their States.

“I encourage the participants to actively participate and exchange information, ideas and experiences during this training”, the Director declared, noting that achievement of these targets would be an enabler in continuous improvement in compliance in the AFI region.

Mr. Muneeza expressed gratitude to the Government of China for sponsorship of the training and used the same platform to appreciate facilitators from ICAO Eastern and Southern Africa and Western and Central Africa office for their continuous commitment in building capacity of aviation experts whenever called upon.

The training was closed by the CAA Managing Director, Dr. David Kakuba who hailed the ICAO facilitators for imparting skills that would enable the trainees enhance safety and efficiency in their operations.

“I am confident that once you return to your duty stations and put into practice the acquired knowledge, it will greatly assist in improving implementation of ICAO SARPs and preparation for upcoming ICAO Audits. This will also go a long way in helping you all to develop Corrective Action Plans (CAPs) after an international audit, among other benefits,” he said.

The five day training attracted participants from Burundi, Ethiopia, Gabon, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda.

 

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Entebbe airport upgrade works okay

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In Summary
Previous investigations relating to earthworks and adherence to specifications
found the allegations baseless. Professional bodies such as the Engineers’
Registration Board and Uganda Institution of Professional Engineers (UIPE)
have visited this project and applauded the works.

THURSDAY OCTOBER 4 2018
It is also on record that this is not the first time that an aggrieved party is petitioning the IGG’s office or other
organs of government to investigate the project.
By Vianney M. Luggya
Reference is made to an article titled ‘IGG to probe Entebbe Airport project’ in the Daily Monitor of September 27 citing a whistle blower’s petition to the IGG to investigate alleged anomalies in the ongoing works for upgrade and expansion of Entebbe International Airport. I wish to reassure the public of Civil Aviation Authority’s commitment to deliver a high quality product.

The project is being undertaken by China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), a reputable firm that has been involved in upgrade of infrastructure at other international airports like Bole International Airport in Ethiopia, Beijing Capital International Airport and Shangai, International Airport in China, among others. This is on top of the work that they have done with the Kampala – Entebbe Expressway in Uganda.

The works are also supervised by an experienced Supervising Consultant, Dar Al Handasah, ranked as the number one international design firm in the Middle East and number seven worldwide, by the Engineering News Record (ENR). The two firms assigned skilled and competent professionals on the works and these are complimented by the Civil Aviation Authority project management team comprising of highly qualified and competent engineers that oversee the works.

It is also on record that this is not the first time that an aggrieved party is petitioning the IGG’s office or other organs of government to investigate the project. Previous investigations relating to earthworks and adherence to specifications found the allegations baseless. Professional bodies such as the Engineers’ Registration Board and Uganda Institution of Professional Engineers (UIPE) have visited this project and applauded the works.

We welcome the investigation and wish to assure all Ugandans that CAA is committed to delivering a
seamless and flawless project, detractors notwithstanding.

Adapted from The Daily Monitor on Thursday October 4, 2018

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