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To address this, a new modern Baggage Handling System (BHS) was installed in the check-in area at Entebbe International Airport. The installation ended in September 2016. The new system was in response to, inter alia, the anticipated increase in Passenger throughput, which called for enhanced passenger handling capacity.

The BHS was installed by the Manufacturer and Project Contractor, Vanderlande Industries B.V of Netherlands, at a cost of USD 4.8 million from internally generated revenue. The new system;

• supports 24-hour continuous operations
• provides for easy maintenance and parts replacement
• is equipped with two identical integrated systems; each of them able to operate independently as the other is under maintenance.
• is able to handle between 1200-1800 bags per hour (compared to the old, which handled 500-700 bags per hour at peak time)
• provides for future upgrade options

It has a total of 22 check-in counters, automated with enhanced security capabilities

Aviation is a technologically driven industry with sensitive equipment and machinery. In order to have more stable power supply, the following, were undertaken:-

i) Installation of Park Lights

The car park lighting system for Entebbe International Airport was upgraded with installation of new modern lights to enhance security, ensure safety and curb crime.

ii) Installation of Security Lights on Apron 2 & 4

Similarly, a new security lighting system for Apron 2 & 4 at Entebbe Airport was installed to enhance security and safety during night operations. The project was successfully completed on 15th July 2014.

iii) Upgrade of Busbars (LV Switchboard) to 5000A

The 800A LV switchboard at Electrical Centre was upgraded to 5000A and the 800A LV Switchboard at the Power House at the Terminal building was upgraded to 3200A to match increased power demand at US$ 1,831,116.86 on 29th June 2015.

iv) Supply and installation of 400KVA No-Break Generator

A 400KVA No-Break generator was installed on 6th February 2017 to provide uninterruptible power supply to the Airfield Ground Lighting System and other Navigation Aids to replace the existing 250KVA No-Break generator, which is obsolete and has started developing multiple faults.

v) Supply and installation of heavy duty passenger escalator

A heavy duty passenger escalator has been installed at Entebbe International Airport (EIA).

When Uganda was preparing for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in 2007, the new facility constructed at the old Airport was converted into a VVIP terminal. This facility has continued to serve the VVIPs.

The Automated Car Park Management System at Entebbe International Airport was upgraded with installation of more robust and user friendly equipment to enhance efficiency and service provision.
The new system manufactured by Scheidt & Bachmann GMBH of Germany included seven new auto pay machines and more sensitive cameras that were installed in 2016. The old system had only four pay machines.

Immigration booths in the Arrivals Hall at Entebbe International Airport were modified to increase the number of counters from 14 to 20 to enhance efficiency. Some of the new Immigration booths installed are each manned by four people and others by three instead of two, which was the case with the old that were replaced by China Nanjing. The development enhanced efficiency and passenger facilitation. Of the new immigration counters, one has been specifically dedicated to passengers with special needs (such as pregnant women, parents with young children and the disabled), crew, first and business class passengers.

The process for modification of the departures immigration counters to increase their number has also commenced.

Phase two of the on-going expansion of the Long Term Car Parking was completed. It involved creation of additional capacity to park 150 cars to increase the total Long Term Car Parking capacity from 260 to 410 cars. The project was undertaken by Energo Uganda Co. Ltd.
The next phase will involve construction of a multi-storeyed car parking facility to accommodate an additional 400 cars in the next four years.

The Aeronautical Information Management processes at Entebbe International Airport were automated to enable automated management of flight plans, notices to airmen (NOTAM) and electronic Aeronautical Information Publications. The new system has led to efficiency and reduction in costs incurred by air operators. Pilots and other airspace users now enjoy the convenience to perform flight planning and self-briefing using any web enabled device as all products and services provided by AIS can now be accessed online.

The Air Traffic Services Management System and Air Traffic Control Radar at Entebbe International Airport have been upgraded and this has led to migration from use of manual to automated electronic strips.

The ATC Radar can now integrate with Next Generation Technologies and can use data links with the Automatic Dependency Surveillance Broadcast (ADSB) in line with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Aviation System Block Upgrades (ASBU). The upgrade has subsequently increased the safety nets from four to more than ten and given the Radar an extended lifespan of another ten years.