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What you need to know:

• Ivy Nabbosa Luggya, a student at Mount St Mary’s College Namagunga said they got more insight on the possible careers in aviation.

Key figures in Uganda’s Aviation industry have urged more girls to consider pursuing careers in the aviation industry.

The Deputy Director General of Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), Ms Olive Birungi Lumonya, made the call during the Girls in aviation day event organized by Air Serv on September 11, 2024  at the UCAA head offices in Entebbe under the theme “ I am the future of Aviation.”

“Celebrating girls in aviation is one of those strategies that has been taken on globally as one way in which the aviation sector can see or record an increase of women in technical roles, including pilots, air traffic controllers, fire-fighting, among others. As of now, the number of women in aviation is still low and this is an area where we need more leaders, especially the girls. I implore more girls to join the aviation industry,’’ she said.

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Ms Lumonya said very few girls have considered careers in aviation because of the stereotype that aviation is a complicated field.

“My appeal to the girls is that they should work hard and get good grades in science subjects so as to be able to join the aviation industry, which is very prestigious,’’ she said.

She noted that at UCAA, the proportion of women to men has increased to 32 percent. “The percentage was lower some years ago, and if you look at the trend over the last five years, we have seen growth on an annual basis of about 5 percent, which is putting us in a better position at 32 percent.’’

She added that girls in aviation is one way of attracting them (girls) at an early stage and guiding them to select the right subjects.

Ms Robinah Nalumu, the Director for Marketing and Client Care at Air Serv and also the Country Representative for Air Serv International said, “We are inspiring future aviators and we invited different girls from different schools country wide to join us to get some inspiration and information on how they can become future aviators. This is the first event that Air Serv is hosting. We believe that we shall be doing annual events and the next event will be held in February 2025.’’

She added that the inaugural event has been successful. “We have had a big turn up of different schools, about 30 schools and more than 100 girls turned up to listen to different panelists from different companies, including UCAA, Uganda Airlines and Air Serv, among others.’’

She further noted that the number of women in aviation is still low but they believe that all the girls that participated in the event could become future aviators. “It’s possible and doable. Our job is to inspire them and to share our stories that we have walked this journey and they can walk this journey too as long as they are focused and have a vision.”

Ms Eva Luyiga, an Air traffic Controller at UCAA said, “Our role is to prevent collision between aircraft as they fly while on ground, as they climb  and as they descend to land , many people think that this job is for men, but ladies, too can do this job as well and I have been doing it for almost nine years now and still going strong.’’

Ivy Nabbosa Luggya, a student at Mount St Mary’s College Namagunga said, “we got more insight on the possible careers in aviation, very interesting questions were asked and I would recommend this to continue. I suggest that as girls are being empowered, boys should also be considered because what I have learnt today, cannot easily just be picked up by the boys from the internet.’’

Adopted from: The Daily Monitor September 12, 2024

Uganda has upgraded its air navigation services by incorporating data  communication alongside traditional voice communication.

The new system aims to improve the safety and efficiency of air traffic.

The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) spokesperson, Vianney Luggya explains that this advancement enables the exchange of digital information between aircraft and air traffic control, enhancing communication reliability, particularly in continental and oceanic areas where voice or radio communication often suffers limited coverage and interference. 

“Uganda’s Air Navigation Services, in addition to the voice communication, now uses data communication (exchange of digital information between aircraft and air traffic control or other aircraft), which is deemed more reliable when  communicating to aircraft in continental or oceanic areas. The voice/radio communication is less reliable in such areas due to limited coverage and interference, among others,” Luggya explained.

Digital communication reduces the risk of miscommunication caused by poor signal quality.

Luggya also said that the Authority has transited from only using terrestrial navigation facilities to include using satellite-based navigation in Approach, Departure, and En route phases of flights.

Traditional terrestrial technology is fully reliant on the navigation facilities (like the Distance Measuring Equipment, Doppler VHF Omnidirectional Range-DVOR, etc.) being physically placed at various locations and airports.

While the terrestrial facilities are also still available, with the new technology, Luggya said emphasis is on the procedures being designed based on the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS).

“Most modern aircraft are compliant with this technology, which is already in use at Entebbe International Airport.”

The industry has also adopted direct routing as opposed to flying overhead navigation aids, which saves time and fuel and is more efficient. 

Direct Routing involves flying direct from departure point to destination using the shortest route without having to follow established routes.

Luggya explained how this works.

“An example of Point-to-point flying involved an aircraft flying from Nairobi to London having to first go overhead Entebbe before connecting to London, which is no longer the case. With the direct routing technology, the aircraft hits one point at the border with Kenya and flies straight to a point at the border with DRC and continues. This is User Preferred routing, which is very attractive to airline operators.”

The new air traffic control systems and procedures have also come with efficiency in landing and take-off. Aircraft can now fly smoothly to the preferred altitude without disruption by the Air Traffic Controller in a bid to separate them from other traffic, and the same applies when an aircraft is descending.

“This is not only efficient but has reduced the workload for the pilot and Air Traffic Controller.”

The technology has also reduced on noise, carbon emissions and makes the flight more comfortable for the passenger.

Luggya said the situations calling for controller interventions are now fewer as such procedures are designed in a way that they do not conflict. 

Additionally, as a result of automation, there is a centralized monitoring system at Entebbe International Airport, which facilitates maintenance.

“If one of the connected systems at any of the aerodromes, such as Soroti, Gulu, or Arua, fails, the maintenance team can see it in Entebbe using the centralized monitoring system. Technology has also enhanced coordination with all the teams. Information communicated by an in-coming aircraft to air traffic control can be easily disseminated through the Terminal Operations Control Centre (TOCC) in an instant to all concerned stakeholders, including Immigration, Airport Operations, Briefing, Security and all that need to know once the controller enters the information in the system.”

This advancement aligns Uganda’s aviation sector with global standards, boosting the country’s capacity to handle increased air traffic and enhancing international confidence in Uganda’s aviation industry.

Adopted from: The Chimp Reports September 7, 2024

Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), under Section 6 (2) of the CAA Act Cap. 354 as amended is responsible for the licensing of air transport services. In addition, the Authority advises the Government of the Republic of Uganda on matters relating to the development of air services such as Bilateral Air Services Agreements (BASAs) and other air transport activities.
UCAA Bard Chairman, Steven Kavuma, made the re-commitment during the 51st Board Air Services Licensing Committee meeting at Protea Hotel in Kampalaon Friday.

“Uganda Civil Aviation Authority wishes to reiterate its commitment to the growth and development of the aviation industry in Uganda,” said Kavuma.

Kavuma revealed as of Friday, before the UCAA Board, there four (04) applications (03 renewals and 01 new) being presented for consideration namely, Misk Air Limited, Air Serv Limited, Premier Services East Africa Limited and Arasus Aviation Limited.
In compliance with the Civil Aviation (Licensing of Air Services) Regulations 2001, he said that the applications were advertised in the print media and the public was invited to attend the public hearing meeting in respect of the air services under consideration.
Currently, there are twenty-six (26) Ugandan licensed air operators offering the following air services; scheduled passenger and/or cargo, non-scheduled passenger and/or cargo, Private, Training and Aerial Works.
With regard to scheduled international air services:
• Uganda has concluded Bilateral Air Service Agreements (BASAs) with fifty-six (56) Countries.
• Sixteen (16) Airlines operate international scheduled services to and from Entebbe International Airport in accordance with the provisions of the BASAs concluded between Uganda and the respective Countries.
• Uganda Airlines operates to thirteen (13) destinations namely: Dubai, Johannesburg, Nairobi, Mombasa, Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Kilimanjaro, Juba, Bujumbura, Kinshasa, Mogadishu, Lagos and Mumbai.
• Uganda Airlines intends to commence scheduled operations to Harare, Lusaka and Abuja in this month of September 2024.
“The Authority therefore encourages Ugandan licenced air operators serving domestic and international routes to synergize through airline cooperative arrangements like codeshare agreements and interlining with Uganda Airlines and other international air operators in order to increase air connectivity and stimulate the growth of air passenger and cargo traffic in Uganda,” said Kavuma

According to the acting Director General of the UCAA, Hellen Wenene, the Authority always strives to create a level playing field for all operators, while encouraging fair competition, innovation and consumer protection.

“As you all know, the Authority successfully completed two back-to-back international safety and security audits, the Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP) in September 2023 and the Universal Security Audit Programe (USAP) in Jan-February 2024. Uganda scored above the regional and global average in both audits, an indicator of compliance with the highest standards of safety and security. The Authority will, therefore, continue to urge licensees to be compliant, accountable and ensure that they meet to the required safety and operational standards to uphold the required service delivery,” she said.

Ladies & Gentlemen, she added, “whenever we renew licenses of existing operators, or approve new operators to come on board, it has a direct bearing on domestic and international passenger traffic, as well as cargo volumes, which ultimately translates into more revenue for the country.”

In relation to traffic, Entebbe International Airport recorded a total of 226,795 more passengers in the first half of this year (January to June 2024) than was recorded in the same period of January to June 2023. The airport recorded a total of 1,069, 224 international passengers, 527, 692 arrivals and 541532 departures (Jan-June 2024) compared to a total of 842,429 (Jan-June 2023) which is an average of 5,886 passengers per day.

She revealed that the rehabilitation of Kisoro aerodrome was recently completed with resurfacing of the runway, taxiway and apron. There are efforts to extend the length of the runway from the current 1200 meters to 1800 meters.

In future, she revealed that “we have plans to extend the runway to 2300 meters after acquisition of land. There are technical proposals to develop the Gulu, Arua and Kidepo aerodromes to international airports before hosting the African Cup of Nations (AFCON).”

“The statistics clearly indicate growth in the aviation industry, and we hope that you will continue to contribute towards that growth. I also take this opportunity to urge you to be continually innovative and adopt the use of modern technology as the aviation industry is now highly reliant on technology. In that respect, the Authority has invested a lot in adoption of new technologies in relation to air navigation systems, among others. I take this opportunity to update industry stakeholders that the new air traffic control systems and procedures in place at Entebbe International Airport have come with efficiency in landing and take-off. Aircraft can now fly smoothly to the preferred altitude without disruption by the Air Traffic Controller in a bid to separate them from other traffic, and the same applies when an aircraft is descending. This is not only efficient but has reduced the workload for the Pilot and Air Traffic Controller. Technology has reduced on noise, carbon emissions and made the flight more comfortable for the passenger.

We earlier on automated systems at Entebbe International Airport, and as a result of the automation, there is a centralized monitoring system at Entebbe, which facilitates maintenance. If one of the connected systems at any of the aerodromes, such as Soroti, Gulu or Arua fails, the maintenance team can see it in Entebbe using the centralized monitoring system. This is enhancing efficiency in service provision. Technology has also enhanced coordination with all the teams. Information communicated by an in-coming aircraft to air traffic control can be easily disseminated through the Terminal Operations Control Centre (TOCC) in an instant to all concerned stakeholders, including Immigration, Airport Operations, Briefing, Security and all that need to know once the controller enters the information in the system,” Wenene noted.
She revealed that automation of the Personnel Licensing (PEL) system is ongoing.

“Installing the software and training will commence upon approval and deployment is planned by 31st November 2024. The system application will include the application process, payment for exams & license, feedback on all issues and thereafter the applicant can present him or self for the physical exams before the license is awarded,” she added.
In relation to automation of Oversight functions, Wenene said that the Authority is in the process of implementing the Civil Aviation Safety and Security Oversight System (CASSORT), which is in eight phases. Two phases for aviation security and six phases for aviation safety oversight, which will ease the way of doing business and standardization of aviation security and safety oversight functions. “This is a global practice,” she said.

“It is my belief that the operators and stakeholders are all enjoying these benefits.”

Adopted from: The Chimp Reports September 7, 2024

The Management of Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), on August 20,2024, revealed that it has registered positive progress as phase one of the upgrade and expansion of Entebbe International Airport nears completion and now stands at 92%.

The Director General Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), Fred Bamwesigye, says at the moment progress at the airport stands at 92% completion rate. He gave the update while addressing the press on the level of completion of phase one project regarding the upgrade and expansion of Entebbe International Airport.

Mr. Fred Bamwesigye revealed that in terms of traffic volume, Entebbe International Airport registered more passengers in the first half of 2024 compared to the first half of 2023. In terms of figures, in July 2024, the airport recorded a total of 182,494 international passengers, 92,379 arriving and 90, 115 departing passengers, an average of 5,886 passengers per day.

He added that cargo traffic significantly surged with a total of 32,794 metric tons recorded from January to June 2024 of which exports were 22,380 metric tons and 10,414 metric tons of imports compared to a total of 25,951 metric tons from January –June 2023.

Export increased by 18.9% while import cargo drastically by 46.2%.  Last month in July 2024, the airport recorded cargo traffic of 4,123 metric tons of exports and 1,618 metric tons of imports, a total of 5,741 metric tons compared to 5,744 metric tons in the previous year.

Mr. Bamwesigye also revealed that from January –June 2024, aircraft movements were 15,223 compared to 14,575 in January –June 2023, saying in terms of percentage, aircraft movements increased by 4.4%. On the other hand, over flights were 12,359 in January –June 2024 as opposed to 11,203 in the previous year reflecting 10.3 % growth.

He further highlighted that in order to improve service provision at Entebbe International Airport; a new business class facility is under construction within the terminal building and would be completed by early next year.

‘We shall continue improving our airport facilities. We target to accommodate 3.5 million in our passenger terminal building by the year 2023 and by 2029 our target is 5 million passengers every year,” Bamwesigye expressed optimism.

The Director Airports and Aviation Security Eng. Al-Hajj Eng. Ayub Sooma,  explained that the completion of the new passenger terminal building stands at 65 % while the new facility for business class will be completed early next year.

Adopted from: The East News August 20, 2024

What you need to know:

• Mr Fred Bamwesigye, Director General of Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), flagged off the event and commended Rotary leadership in Uganda for spearheading the cause.

Rotarians from Entebbe Corridor Rotary Clubs and well-wishers gathered at the Mayor’s Garden in Entebbe on Sunday for a Cancer Run aimed at raising funds for the construction of Linear Accelerator Bunkers at Nsambya Hospital.

Mr Fred Bamwesigye, Director General of Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), flagged off the event and commended Rotary leadership in Uganda for spearheading the cause.

“UCAA annually participates in the Cancer Run in line with supporting noble national causes… We have previously partnered with most of the Entebbe corridor Rotary Clubs in the execution of different projects for the betterment of society,” he said.

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At the prize-giving ceremony, Mr Bamwesigye congratulated the winners in the 5-kilometre and 10-kilometre categories, and participants generally, noting that the number of cancer patients in the country has increased.

“While some have won for running faster, you have all made a significant contribution towards raising awareness and efforts to eradicate cancer,” he said.

Mr Amos Aine, Rotary’s Deputy President of Presidents and also the President of the Rotary Club of Kajjansi, encouraged participants to engage in cancer screening for early detection.

“There are about 14 Clubs in the Entebbe Corridor, which have all run as a team in the fight against cancer. We are tired of people going to India for cancer treatment,” he said.

He thanked non-Rotarians for participating and appealed to them to join Rotary to serve humanity. Each participant purchased a running kit for Shs30,000, contributing to the fundraising efforts.

Entebbe Corridor Rotary Clubs, include the Rotary Club of Bwebajja, Lubowa, Garuga, Kajjansi, Namasuba, Entebbe, Nkumba, Akright, Entebbe Base and their Rotaract Clubs, among others.

The event was part of a larger initiative, with other Rotarians converging in Kampala for the Cancer Run at UMA showgrounds under the theme “Spread magic in every step.”

Adopted from: The Daily Monitor Sunday August 25, 2024

What you need to know:

This message was the focus during the opening of a five-day capacity-building training session on Annex 6 Consumer Protection Regulations of the Yamoussoukro Decision (YD)

Regional aviation experts from the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), East African Community (EAC), and Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) have emphasized the need for stronger enforcement of consumer protection regulations to safeguard air transport passengers across Africa.

This message was the focus during the opening of a five-day capacity-building training session on Annex 6 Consumer Protection Regulations of the Yamoussoukro Decision (YD). The training, hosted at Golden Tulip Hotel on August 26, 2024, was specifically tailored for the EAC.

In his opening remarks, UCAA Director General, Fred Bamwesigye, underscored the growing importance of consumer protection within Africa’s air transport industry. He highlighted that achieving the goals of the Yamoussoukro Decision (YD) and the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) requires the utilization of Regional Economic Communities (RECs) as essential building blocks for effectively implementing consumer protection regulations.

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Bamwesigye further stressed that all African Union member states should prioritize consumer involvement in regulating the air transport industry. “There is a critical need to establish consumer protection units at both regional and national levels where they do not already exist,” he said.

He added that many African air travelers still face unfair treatment and inadequate information from service providers. “Consumers often experience delays and cancellations for ‘technical reasons,’ yet passengers are penalized for missing flights. This training aims to clearly define these so-called ‘technical reasons’ to protect consumers from unfair practices,” Bamwesigye noted.

Eng. Nicholas Ndema Matebere, COMESA’s Regional Aviation Expert, explained that the workshop’s primary objective is to deepen understanding of air passenger protection regulations and to better handle claims related to delays and cancellations. He also emphasized the importance of publishing customer service plans and promptly responding to consumer concerns.

“AFCAC envisions a continent-wide system of consumer protection units across RECs and member states. These units would directly link passengers with various stakeholders, including airlines, airport operators, tour operators, travel agents, and ground handling agencies to ensure the smooth operation of air transport with minimal disruptions,” Eng. Ndema added.

EAC’s Principal Civil Aviation Officer, Paul Christian Rwegasha, highlighted that the workshop will provide participants with foundational knowledge on regulating and supervising market conduct to protect air transport consumers. “Such laws are intended to prevent unfair practices and ensure that airlines and service providers do not take advantage of passengers,” he said.

Emmanuel Butera Mwesigye, AFCAC’s Consumer Protection Specialist, pointed out that the training aims to build capacity for consumer protection officers and aviation regulators across the continent

The event also drew officials from the Ministry of Works and Transport, the African Airlines Association, and aviation experts from countries such as Comoros, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Egypt, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda.

Adopted from: The Daily Monitor Tuesday August 27, 2024

Qatar Airways is boosting its commitment to Africa with an additional four weekly flights to Entebbe, Uganda, to meet increased summer demand. The announcement comes about six weeks after the airline launched flights to Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), its 29th gateway in Africa.

Increasing flights to Uganda

Qatar Airways will increase the number of frequencies between Doha Hamad (DOH) and Entebbe International Airport (EBB) from a daily service to 11 weekly flights between August 1 and September 30, 2024. The ramped-up schedule highlights the airline’s commitment to improving connectivity across Africa and fostering stronger economic, business, and cultural ties. The airline’s daily service is currently operated by the Airbus A330-200.

Flight QR1383 departs Doha at 09:50 and arrives at Entebbe Airport at 15:30 local time. The return flight (QR1384) departs Entebbe at 17:30 and arrives at Hamad Airport at 23:20. From August 1, Qatar Airways will add four flights on the Airbus A320. The additional flights from Doha (QR1391) will be operated on Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, while the return flights (QR1392) will be operated on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.

Photo: Qatar Airways

Flights QR1383 and 1384 will also be switched from the A330-200 to the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. The ramped-up schedule will be as follows (all times local):

By increasing flights to Uganda, the airline will also improve connectivity for passengers traveling from the East African country to other destinations on Qatar Airways’ network. Speaking about the new schedule, Qatar Airways Vice President – Africa, Hendrik du Preez, said,

“The increased frequency now guarantees improved connectivity for passengers traveling from Uganda to the USA, Asia, Europe and North Africa. It also supports the growth of trade and tourism between Uganda and Qatar while offering convenience for point-to-point passengers to save a day’s travel due to the early arrival in Doha.”

Commitment to East Africa

Qatar Airways sees Africa as an untapped market with increasing travel and business opportunities. The increased frequencies from Entebbe will also boost the growth of exports from Uganda. The announcement follows last month’s introduction of non-stop flights from Doha to Kinshasa N’djili International Airport (FIH) in the DRC.

Photo: Phung Quang Minh | Shutterstock.com

The inaugural flight touched down in Kinshasa on Saturday, June 1, marking the addition of Qatar Airways’ 29th African destination. The four weekly flights also increased capacity to Angola, boosting the number of flights to Luanda from one to four per week. Kinshasa joined several new African destinations added by the airline since December 2020, including Abidjan, Abuja, Accra, Harare, Kano, Luanda, Lusaka, and Port Harcourt.

Check out more African aviation news here

The Middle Eastern carrier offers 180 weekly flights from Doha to 29 African destinations. With codeshares included, it offers over 900 weekly flights across the continent. The airline has 30 interline agreements (including five codeshares) with African airlines and a strategic investment in Kigali’s new $1.3 billion airport, demonstrating its long-term commitment to improving air travel and aviation infrastructure in Africa.

Adopted from: Simple Flying July 12, 2024

What you need to know:

• The Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Uganda and the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce led by their Chairman, Abdallah Sultan Al Owais.
• Construction of Kidepo International Airport in Karamoja starts in August.
•  The MoU is a sign of the deepening relations between Uganda and Gulf partners and another opportunity to cooperate in investment and trade, according to Museveni

Uganda has signed a pact with a business association from the United Arab Emirates to build a new international airport, President Yoweri Museveni’s office said on Friday.

The deal for the East African nation’s third such airport expands the UAE’s economic footprint beyond its interests in the renewable energy and oil and gas industries.

The UAE’s Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry will build the airport just outside the Kidepo National Park in the northeast near Uganda’s border with Kenya, Museveni’s office said in a statement, without giving the cost.

Construction will start in August, said Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, chairman of the Sharjah business body.

The airport will boost tourism by drawing visitors to the 1,442-sq-km (557-sq-mile) Kidepo park known for lions, giraffes, buffaloes and other big game.

The agreement was “a sign of the deepening relations with our Gulf partners and another opportunity to co-operate in investment and trade”, Museveni, who witnessed the signing, said in a post on X.

Adopted from: The Daily Monitor June 21, 2024