Uganda seeks to demystify air transport, showcase latest technology with aviation expo

by Kenneth Kazibwe

The upcoming aviation expo will help demystify air transport among members of the public but also showcase the latest technology, organisers have said.

Addressing journalists on Wednesday at Entebbe International Airport, the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority(UCAA) Director General, Fred Bamwesigye said there are many myths by members of the public about air transport but said these need to rectified.

“Many first-time passengers of air transport always panic at the airport. This is because they have never experienced what happens. The aviation expo is an opportunity to further demystify the seemingly complex industry. This is an attempt to try and get the public to remove the belief and fear that flying is for a few,” Bamwesigye said.

He said whereas flying seems to be a preserve of the rich, it is high time this phobia is dealt with by introducing members of the public to the workings of not only the industry but also the airport.

“During this aviation expo, members of the public will have a chance to enter an aircraft view the cockpit, talk to members of cabin and flight crew to get deeper first-hand knowledge of air transport sector

According to Capt. Aziz Ssentamu, the president of the Uganda Professional Pilots Association, the June 22- 24 expo will allow students and members of the public get information about the happenings in the aviation sector.

“ Government has invested heavily in industry but  the lay person is green about what is happening. We thought it would be important to sensitize public about what happens and in case if you want to join, you know what to do. People are green about the aviation industry and what happens there but this is an opportunity to even get information on how to join aviation,”Capt.Ssentamu said.

He said whereas there are many opportunities in the aviation industry, piloting is what is mostly mentioned but said the expo is another opportunity for everyone, including students to know they can choose various careers in aviation apart from being pilots.

To this, organiser say they have partnered with Ethiopian Airlines, to market the aviation university as an opportunity for members of the public to know how to join the industry, adding that they will invite all operators in the industry to exhibit.

“We also want to create awareness to the public about the evolution of technology in the aviation sector not only in Uganda but world over. This will be an opportunity for everyone to see what is new in the aviation sector.”

According to the president of the Uganda Professional Pilots Association, the aviation expo will be yet another opportunity to lure the private sector to invest in the country’s aviation sector.

“We want to use this expo to open the minds of business personnel on investing in the aviation industry.”

Organisers said the aviation show will also  feature aerobatics by the UPDF Air Force, the Special Forces Command and the Police air wing among others as well as joyrides flying around Kampala.

Previously, Uganda hosted its first ever air show in 2012 as the country celebrated its 50th independence anniversary whereas there have also been mini airshows at Mbarara and Kajjansi airfields.

The airshow will be held at the Old Entebbe airport

According to the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority Director General, the airshow comes at a time when the aviation industry is slowly recovering from the effects of the Covid pandemic.

In April 2023, Entebbe International Airport recorded 127,282 passengers including 62,413 arrivals and 64,870 departures , an average of 4242 per day compared to 122,341 in  the same period in 2022 , an average of 4,078 per day.

Adopted from: The Nile Post May 25, 2923

Uganda sends out feelers on joining SAATM

A bystander for years, Uganda has made its most definitive expression yet, of intent to join the Single African Air Transport market (SAATM). A meeting convened this week to discuss the issue, agreed to establish a multisectoral committee to “consider the matter further.”

The decision came at the end of a multi-stakeholder meeting called by sector regulator Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) on April 26, to build internal consensus around the country’s participation in the continental initiative. The proposed committee will be made up of representatives from the core government agencies such as the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Works and Transport, the Uganda Tourism Board, and select players from the private sector.

Pitching for SAATM at the meeting, UCAA Deputy Director General, Olive Birungi Lumonya said the proposed liberalization of air services would lift the number of air passengers. “Flying is efficient, quicker, and safer but is not utilized much as the other forms of travel. If this agreement is signed by Uganda, we will be joining the rest of Africa in reducing the cost of travel, and increasing air traffic and business,” she said.

The Wednesday meeting heard candid reasons for the delay, which were attributed to a range of factors including, the competition that the national carrier which was in the process of being revived, would be exposed to under SAATM, the likely impact on aspirations to turn Entebbe into a regional hub and the ability of existing Ugandan air operators to compete effectively with regional airlines which have a stronger financial base, better equipment, with some believed to have been supported with subsidies from their respective governments.

Uganda was also doubtful about the likely benefits accruing from the liberalization of air services amidst the entry restrictions that still exist within the African States. According to a November 2021 IATA Fact Sheet, Uganda was ranked eighth in Africa for visa openness but only 4 percent of the 24 BASA’s reviewed were fully compliant with the Yamoussoukro Decision. Citizens from 18 African countries do require a visa to enter Uganda while those from 34 others can get visas on arrival. But Ugandan citizens face entry restrictions in many African countries, which require them to have entry visas.  

“Initially, Uganda did not sign the Solemn Declaration to join SAATM pending the establishment of mechanisms to give assurance to the revival of Uganda Airlines, which at that time had not commenced operations taking into consideration a highly competitive market resulting from the grant of unrestricted fifth freedom traffic rights to African Airlines,” the meeting was told.

Keen to expand

But with flag carrier Uganda Airlines partially established and keen to expand within Africa as well as parallel initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area slowly gaining traction, Uganda feels it can now participate in SAATM with a reasonable degree of reciprocity of benefits.

According to IATA, Uganda would get an additional 4,920 jobs in aviation and spin-off industries by joining SAATM while another 16.070 jobs would be created through “catalytic impact.”

The economy would gain an additional $102.6 million in GDP, 151,000 extra tourism visits, $69.3 million increase in tourism spending, and 9.290 new tourism jobs.

Uganda’s junior minister for Works and Transport, Fred Byamukama said Uganda was ready to join SAATM because it would culminate into a more competitive and better-regulated aviation industry in Uganda and Africa at large. “Government will continue to ensure the country’s air links make her one of the most connected countries in the world to make it compete successfully for economic growth opportunities,” he said.

Adopted from: Air Insight Group April 28, 2023

UCAA seeks to join single African air transport pact

What you need to know:

  • It is an initiative to create a single unified air transport market in Africa to advance the liberalisation of civil aviation in the continent which will, among others,  create a conducive environment for the development of intra-African and international air services.

The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) is seeking to sign a new policy that will among others, stimulate the development of air transport in Uganda and the countinent by joining the Single African Air Transport Movement (SAATM).

SAATM, according to their website is a flagship project of the African Union Agenda 2063.

It is an initiative to create a single unified air transport market in Africa to advance the liberalisation of civil aviation in the continent which will, among others,  create a conducive environment for the development of intra-African and international air services.

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This involves developing and providing safe, reliable, affordable air transport services necessary for the free movement of persons, goods and services in and outside Africa .

Ms Olive Birungi Lumonya, UCAA deputy director general, yesterday said if SAATM is signed, it will reduce the cost of air transport.

“Flying is more efficient, faster, and quicker but it is not being utilised as much as possible because of the high cost of travel, so if this agreement is signed by Uganda, she will be joining the rest of the countries. More than 30 countries have already signed this agreement and it is intended to increase traffic and reduce the cost of travel,” Ms Birungi said during a stakeholders’ meeting in Kampala. The meeting discussed the draft National Civil Aviation Policy in Kampala.

Ms Birungi added that the draft policy is being proposed by the African Civil Aviation Commission to encourage states to embrace the  one single transport movement.

She explained the new arrangement, if adopted will reduce costs of air travel within the continent.

Ms Birungi also noted that UCAA recorded a sharp drop in revenues following the outbreak of Covid-19 in March 2020.

Without revealing how much was lost, Ms Birungi said the pandemic affected the authority, due to  global travel restrictions.

She added that the ongoing  Russia-Ukraine war has also affected  the recovery of the sector.

“These eventualities when they happen, often cause losses in the aviation industry. Uganda lost revenue because of this, but we are now on a recovery path, and as of March this year, we have recovered up to 89 percent of the traffic that we had in 2019,” she said.

In 2019, Entebbe International Airport recorded 1,802,107 international travellers, both incoming and outgoing.  Due to Covid-19, the airport handled 545,000 travellers in 2020, 940,000 passengers in 2021 before hitting nearly 1.6 million passengers last year as countries relaxed  measures.

The State Minister for Transport, Mr Fred Byamukama, yesterday said there is a need to cut fares for domestic and regional flights.

“For example, from Kampala to Kisoro is very expensive by air to the extent that someone using their personal car can save some money. We have worked on many technicalities to make travel simple, when this happens, the economy will grow,” he said.

Adopted from: The Daily Monitor April 27, 2023

SAFETY AND HEALTH COMMEMORATED IN JINJA

Uganda Civil Aviation Authority along with several other organizations took part in the celebrations to mark the World Day of Safety and Health at Work organized by the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development at the Busoga Square in Jinja on April 28, 2023.

The celebrations graced by Hon. Dominic Mafwabi Gidudu the Minister of State for the Elderly, included a band match around Jinja town.

Other organizations that participated in the celebrations, included UMEME, UNOC, STABEX, UEGCL, Petroleum Authority of Uganda and Diamond Trust Bank, among others.

The celebrations were held under the theme “A safe and health working environment as a fundamental principle and right at work.”

MPs inspect on-going works at Entebbe International Airport

Members of Parliament on the National Economy Committee met with the management of Uganda Civil Aviation Authority on April 4, 2023 and inspected on-going works at Entebbe International Airport to asses the implementation of the upgrade and expansion project. The MPs appreciated the phase 1 works, which include refurbishment of the two runways & associated taxiways, new cargo centre, passenger terminal building and apron, among others. The need to support approval of funding for phase 2 works was also discussed.

vianney lugya

There’s no loss of taxpayers’ money in Entebbe Airport expansion works

What you need to know:

There was only an internal inquiry within Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) as one head of department sought clarity, which was satisfactorily given in writing. It is unfortunate that the source of information shared only the inquiry and left out the detailed clarification.

Reference is made to a misleading online and Sunday Monitor article titled “taxpayers lose Shs. 12.8 billion in failed Entebbe Airport works”, which was published on February 19, 2023. For starters, there isn’t any loss or failed project as may have been insinuated

There was only an internal inquiry within Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) as one head of department sought clarity, which was satisfactorily given in writing. It is unfortunate that the source of information shared only the inquiry and left out the detailed clarification.

It is not true that ML Tristar, the company undertaking works for the fuel hydrant system, was engaged at an extra cost as they are doing the work at no cost to UCAA yet the agreement provides for income to UCAA as soon as the system becomes operational. Neither did China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) fail to do the work. Instead, it was deemed prudent to effect some changes for the better after careful consideration and widespread stakeholder engagements.

The scoping for the design of the facilities for the upgrade of Entebbe International Airport was done in 2014, way before Tristar came on board. In relation to the scope of works for the fuel hydrant system, CCCC was to construct a hydrant of 700 square meters starting from the existing Apron 1 line to connect to the expanded Apron 1 area of six parking bays. This was a single line with a dead end. It is worth noting that single lines complicate maintenance works. For instance, it is not possible to refuel aircraft while maintenance of the system is being done at the same time. In order to fully optimize, in February 2017, UCAA signed a sub-lease agreement with ML Tristar covering a comprehensive scope of work, including construction of a modern fuel farm (with 20 million liter fuel storage tanks), a double line hydrant system connecting through the new Cargo Apron, Apron 1 extension and through the existing Apron 1.

The state-of-the-art system is fully automated and equipped with smart features enabling the monitoring of fuel supply at the screen of a computer monitor, which enhances safety. Supply of fuel can also be stopped by simply pressing a computer button. The location of the new fuel farm is also suitably far from operational areas of the airport as opposed to the old fuel farm with capacity of 7.5 million liters, located adjacent the main operational areas. The new location ably takes care of safety and security risks associated with the dangers of having hazardous material like fuel next to operational areas.

A thorough analysis of the hydrant system was carried out in June 2017 with consultative meetings held between Tristar, Hansard (the design consultant for Tristar), CCCC, Dar Al Handasah (the supervising consultants for UCAA) and UCAA’s technical team. Presentations of the designs and scope of works for the fuel hydrant system in relation to CCCC and Tristar scope were made, and it was established that Tristar’s was more comprehensive, providing fuel hydrant pits at the Cargo Apron, Apron 1 extension and the existing main apron. Tristar undertaking the works came with various advantages to UCAA and the airport, the major one being that modern facilities were to be provided without spending on the investment yet revenue was guaranteed from the first day of commencement of operations.

It is, therefore, not true, as alleged in the previous article that funds that were part of the project for upgrade and expansion of Entebbe International Airport were allocated to Tristar.

Instead, the saved funds were utilized to take care of other changes that were not of the contractor’s making, but arose from new demands from the industry (established through stakeholder engagements) following changes in technology, customer preferences, emerging global threats and growing traffic volumes, among others. The changes mainly addressed new challenges of global aviation security and two critical factors, namely; Freight Integrators and Transit Cargo. The requirements further necessitated a change in design layout to provide more space for screening and to ensure departing cargo is stored in compartments or caged under lock and key. All these were required to be implemented before opening the new cargo center for operations yet they were not part of the previous scope to be undertaken by CCCC. There is no way that any contractor can implement such a magnitude of changes outside their scope of works at their cost.

Vianney Mpungu Luggya is the Manager Public Affairs at Uganda Civil Aviation Authority.

ADOPTED FROM THE MONITOR, FRIDAY FEBRUARY 24, 2023

Public Notice on Filming and Taking Photos at Entebbe International Airport

This is to clarify that the reminder message restricting photography and filming relates ONLY to operational restricted/sensitive areas within the terminal building (such as security screening areas and equipment, among other sensitive areas). This is not a new measure. Filming has always been restricted, and only takes place with prior permission.

Even journalists who access the terminal building for official coverage of activities first go through a formal clearance process before they can be allowed to take photos and videos of specific areas/activities.

Recently, some people had unfortunately adopted a practice of filming the security screening process and equipment. We are committed to implementing measures for a better passenger experience, but airport security and safety of all travelers will not be compromised.

However, selfies and other memorable video moments may be undertaken in the departure concourse (pre-boarding and duty free area) after the last security check or at the land-side before accessing the security restricted area.

Basic Travel Requirements for Departing Passengers Travelling Through Entebbe Airport

         A valid passport

         A valid visa for countries where this is required

         An airline ticket (hard copy or e-ticket)

         Valid Yellow fever vaccination card (in case the destination country requires it)

NB: Otherwise, passengers must seek for additional information from their respective airlines regarding destination travel requirements (as some of these keep changing from time to time or may be beyond what is stated above).

TRAVEL PROCESS FOR DEPARTING PASSENGERS THROUGH ENTEBBE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

         First Security Checkpoint at the gate/entrance of Entebbe International Airport: The driver and occupants of the vehicle are required to undergo security screening and the motor vehicle is physically inspected.

         Car park access: The cars are to be parked in the public car park and the passenger accesses the departure level to start on the travel process.

         Second Security point on departure level:  Travelling passengers are separated from non travellers. The passenger should show their passport and ticket so as to proceed to the restricted area.

         Hold Baggage Check point: Passengers’ bags are screened through the screening machine by Aviation Security staff.

         Documents Verification: At this point, a passenger is required to show their passport as their legal identity and the ticket showing their destination of travel to the Airline staff or their representatives, the Ground Handling Staff who after verification will stamp either the visa (if paper visa) or the ticket for the next step of check-in. A valid yellow fever vaccination card should be presented (in case the destination country requires it). Any non- compliances will be communicated to the passenger and if they cannot be fulfilled, the passenger may be denied travel.

         Check in Counters and Baggage drop: After meeting the destination requirements, the passenger presents the passport, ticket, or visa with stamp for check in. Baggage weight is measured in accordance with the required weight as indicated on the passenger ticket. In case of any excess baggage, ticket changes or upgrades, the passenger is advised on the cost and is referred to the relevant airline for payment.  Physical or electronic receipts will be issued for such payments. The passenger is then issued with a boarding pass and baggage claim tags.

NB: Please note that there are two types of check- in for passengers i.e:

•          Online checked -in passengers who do not need to go through the check-in counters, if they do not have baggage to check- in.

•          Non-online checked in passengers who have to follow all the processes of check-in.

         Immigration desk: Responsible for boarder management and detection of human and child trafficking. Passenger will be required to present passport for exit visa/ stamp, boarding passes and hotel booking.  Immigration officers permit the passenger to proceed for travel if they meet the destination requirements and have complied with Uganda’s rules and regulations. In case the departing passenger had visited Uganda, they shouldn’t have exceeded their issued visa period.

If there are any pertinent reasons (non compliance with any of the requirements), the passenger may be denied exit by immigration, and in that case the airline or Ground handling agent is informed.

         Last Security check: The passenger will be required to go through this security point  before entering the boarding gate and any prohibited item will be withdrawn from the passenger. The items may be handed over to the passenger’s family, if they are still available at the Airport or may be disposed- off by security through a court order.

         Boarding gate: The passenger will be required to go to the boarding gates, 20 minutes before the flight’s departure. At the entrance of the boarding gate, the passenger will undergo a last check by the Airline prior to boarding to confirm that nothing has changed throughout the process. The passenger will then board the aircraft.

The responsibility of ensuring all travel requirements for origin, transit and destination lies with the passenger as per contract of carriage with the airline – which is the ticket.

NB: At point of ticket purchase, passengers are advised to always seek information from their airline(s) regarding any changes in travel requirements, if in doubt. This should also be the case at any given point during their journey (airline staff are always available).

In case of need for assistance, please contact the Manager Operations on 0758483681, General Manager on 0702055158 or any of the feedback channels indicated below.

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Notice of Application for Air Services Licenses

Notice is hereby, given that the following firms have applied for the grant / renewal of an Air Services Licence.

S/NOPERATOR AND ADDRESSTYPE OF SERVICEAIRCRAFT TO BE OPERATED
1.Aerolink Uganda Limited P.O. Box 689 Entebbe  Non-Scheduled and Scheduled Passenger Domestic and International (RENEWAL)  C208
2.AIR SERV Limited P.O. Box 7548 Kampala  Scheduled Passenger Domestic and International (RENEWAL)   Non-Scheduled Cargo Domestic and International (NEW)C208  
3.Asante Aviation Limited P.O. Box 7691 KampalaNon Scheduled Domestic and International (RENEWAL)  C208    
4.BAR Aviation Limited P.O. Box 27210 KampalaNon Scheduled Cargo Domestic and International (NEW)B1900D, C208B, PC-12, B206, B412, L382 CL064
5.KAFTC dba BAR Aviation Gate 3, Kajjansi Airfield P.O. Box 27210 Kampala    Scheduled passenger and Cargo Domestic   Aerial Work (RENEWAL)    B1900D, PC-12, C208B   C172, B505, BELL 206, L382                       
6.SUN GURU Limited P.O. Box 25669 Kampala  Private (NEW)      C172
7.  Uganda Aviation Academy P.O. Box 10101 KampalaTraining  (RENEWAL)    TBN
8.  Vine Air Limited P.O. Box 22041 Kampala    Flight Training   Non-Scheduled Passenger and Cargo Domestic and International (RENEWAL)C152, C172, PA28  

Any person who has grounds to object to the grant / renewal of the Air Services Licence to any of the applicants listed herein, may as soon as possible, lodge such objection in writing with:

        The Director Safety, Security & Economic Regulation

        Uganda Civil Aviation Authority Headquarters

        Entebbe Airport Road

        P. O. Box 5536

        Kampala

        Tel:      +256 414 352 000

         Email:

A copy of the objection should be forwarded to the applicant concerned.

The applicants will defend their applications before the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority Licensing Committee on 10 March 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at Kampala Serena Hotel.

Interested members of the public are invited to attend this half day event.

For Print Copy: Download PDF

Public Notice on Trending Videos about
Entebbe International Airport

We have noted various trending social media videos highlighting cases of alleged extortion of money from passengers through Entebbe International Airport. Uganda Civil Aviation Authority does not in any way condone such acts and where such incidents have happened, it is highly regrettable and unacceptable.

It is important for the public to know that while UCAA facilitates operations at Entebbe International Airport, this is done in liaison with several independent providers of key services, including, but not limited to Immigration, handling agents (NAS and DAS), airlines, Ministry of Health through port health, Security agencies, URA customs, and Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development (Labour externalization agents), among others.

Nevertheless, we would like to assure the public that previously reported cases with specific details have been thoroughly investigated and where staff of various agencies operating at the airport were found culpable, serious disciplinary action was taken, including termination of contracts and withdrawal of airport access passes from them, among others. We would like to reiterate our commitment to continue engaging all the airport service providers to take tough action on anyone found culpable of this vice, and also ensure that complaints are duly addressed to the satistafction of the airport users.

Unfortunately, none of the regurgitated trending videos specifically states a particular check point, time, day and flight details of when the alleged extortion may have taken place. This would help the investigations. We are contacting the parties in the tik-tok videos to share with us information that can guide us to take quick action. In the past, we have investigated similar generalised claims made on Tik-tok, but unfortunately no specific information was established to corroborate the claims.

The airport has cameras placed in strategic places for security reasons and to enable UCAA address such issues when they occur.

The Authority urges the travelling public not to be compelled or lured into paying money to any staff they interface with (from whichever agency) in the course of travel through Entebbe International Airport. Please immediately report any case(s) of extortion in exchange for favors, including cases where the passenger has already left the airport. Please contact the following senior officials for immediate assistance.

General Manager, Entebbe International Airport – 0702-055158
Manager Aviation Security – 0701488366
Manager Operations – 0758483681
Chief Liaison Officer Airports – 0701477049
Email :
Whatsapp: +256 757 269670
Twitter: @UgandaCAA

The public is also reminded that any inappropriate financial dealings with any person within the airport (such as exchange of money for favours) is illegal and criminal. Whoever may be found promoting it (passenger or employee ) is liable to be charged for abetting commission of a crime.

We shall continue to take action, but we need the public to cooperate with us by sharing specific timely information for action.

MANAGEMENT