Uganda Hosts Regional Workshop on Flight Crew and Flight Dispatch Skill Test Standards
Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), in partnership with the Civil Aviation Safety and Security Oversight Agency (CASSOA), officially opened the Regional Workshop on Flight Crew and Flight Dispatch Skill Test Standards at Protea Skyz Hotel, Naguru. The workshop, running from November 17 to 21, 2025, brings together aviation regulators, training experts, and safety professionals from across the East African Community (EAC).
The event was opened by Eng. Ronny Barongo, UCAA’s Director of Safety, Security & Economic Regulation, who delivered the keynote remarks on behalf of the Director General. In his address, Eng. Barongo underscored the importance of harmonizing aviation training and assessment standards, noting that a unified approach across the region is essential for improving flight safety, operational efficiency, and regulatory coordination.
He emphasized that aligning EAC training frameworks with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) global standards is critical for strengthening the competency of flight crew and dispatch personnel. This, he said, will ultimately support safer aviation operations and enhance the region’s competitiveness in the global air transport system.
Throughout the five-day workshop, participants will work collaboratively to refine standardized testing procedures, share best practices, strengthen competency-based training requirements, and chart a clear roadmap toward uniform skill test standards across all EAC Partner States.
Eng. Barongo noted that this workshop comes at a time of significant growth in the region’s aviation sector. In October 2025, Entebbe International Airport recorded 214,165 international passengers—an increase of more than 32,000 compared to October 2024—and handled 6,070 metric tonnes of cargo, one of its highest monthly volumes to date. These rising numbers highlight the need for robust and harmonized safety oversight mechanisms.
He commended EAC-CASSOA for its continued leadership and cooperation in strengthening aviation standards across the region, reaffirming UCAA’s commitment to supporting regional initiatives that enhance air transport safety and efficiency.
As air traffic continues to grow, regional engagements like this workshop play a vital role in ensuring that East Africa maintains safe, efficient, and harmonized skies for all.