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.
UGANDA CONCLUDES BILATERAL AIR NEGOTIATIONS AT ICAN2025
Uganda concluded a successful round of high-level bilateral air services negotiations at the 17th ICAO Air Services Negotiation (ICAN2025) event held in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. The annual ICAN platform brings together States from around the world to review and negotiate air transport agreements aimed at expanding global connectivity and strengthening cooperation in the aviation sector.
Uganda’s delegation—comprising officials from the Ministry of Works and Transport, Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), Uganda Airlines, and the East African Civil Aviation Academy—actively engaged counterparts from Africa, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas. The team, which included the UCAA Deputy Director General, Ms. Olive Birungi Lumonya, pursued strategic partnerships to enhance international air links and promote Uganda as a competitive aviation hub.
A major highlight of Uganda’s participation was the conclusion of several Bilateral Air Services Agreements (BASAs). The country successfully signed six Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with initialled BASA texts involving Argentina, Eswatini (review), Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Guyana. Additionally, Uganda signed one reviewed BASA with the State of Qatar. These agreements create a framework for commercial international flight operations by Ugandan and foreign carriers, ultimately increasing air connectivity, expanding route options, fostering competition, and improving service quality for passengers.
Beyond bilateral negotiations, Uganda also took part in key policy discussions on global air transport trends, including the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) and wider liberalization efforts designed to promote seamless intra-African travel. Uganda joined other States in marking Yamoussoukro Decision (YD) Day on November 14, 2025, reaffirming its commitment to regional integration and open skies.
The achievements registered at ICAN2025 strengthen Uganda’s position in the international aviation landscape. They also reflect the country’s long-term vision of enhancing air transport access, supporting tourism, facilitating trade, and contributing to the sustainable growth of the national aviation industry.
Uganda’s continued progress in building strategic air transport partnerships demonstrates its readiness to engage globally while fostering an interconnected future for aviation.
IMPRESSIVE REPORTS AT UCAA STAKEHOLDERS’ BREAKFAST
Uganda Civil Aviation Authority hosted the Aviation Week Stakeholders’ Engagement Breakfast at the Imperial Royale Hotel on December 16, 2025, bringing together leaders from government, air operators, tour and travel companies, aviation fuel suppliers, Entebbe Municipality, PRAU Uganda, industry partners, development agencies, and the media among others to reflect on the sector’s performance, priorities and future plans.
The engagement highlighted UCAA’s key milestones in 2025, Uganda’s election to the ICAO Council for the 2025–2028 term, major infrastructure and strategic developments including the new Passenger Terminal Building at Entebbe International Airport, Kabalega International Airport, and ongoing plans for several upcountry aerodromes, while underscoring the importance of collaboration in advancing safe, secure, efficient, and sustainable aviation growth. UCAA appreciates the valuable participation and insights shared by stakeholders for continued improvement.
COMMITTEE FOR NATIONAL AIR TRANSPORT FACILITATION HELD A MEETING AT ENTEBBE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
The Ministry of Works and Transport in conjunction with Uganda Civil Aviation Authority held the National Air Transport Facilitation Committee meeting on October 29, 2025 at Entebbe International Airport.
Other participants in the meeting included officials from Airlines, Ground Handling companies, Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control, Uganda Revenue Authority, Security Agencies, Ministries of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Health, Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Defence and Veteran Affairs, Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries among others.
The meeting was opened by Mr. Winstone Katushabe, the Commissioner, Transport Regulation and Safety, who represented the Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Works and Transport, the Chairperson of the Committee. Mr. Katushabe thanked members who attended and said that the National Air Transport Facilitation Committee serves as a platform for collaboration, cooperation, and sharing information among all stakeholders in the aviation community who play a critical role in facilitating the seamless movement of aircraft, passengers, cargo and mail.
The activity are guided by the Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) contained in Annex 9 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation and compliance is not merely a regulatory exercise but a fundamental requirement for improving travelers’ experience in a safe and secure aviation environment.
Presentations made in the meeting included amendments to the National Air Transport Facilitation programme, brief on the EAC CASSOA Collaborative Arrangement for the Prevention and Management of Public Health Events in Civil Aviation (CAPSCA) State visit, status of implementation of the recommendations from the 47th East African Consultative meeting on Air Transport Facilitation, preparation of the forthcoming 48th EAC Consultative meeting on Facilitation of Air transport meeting to be held in Uganda from November 26 to 28, 2025 and inspection of Entebbe International Airport.
PUBLIC HEARING FOR NEW AIR OPERATORS
Uganda Civil Aviation Authority convened the 52nd Board Air Services Licensing committee meeting, a public hearing, to consider new applicants for Air Service Licenses at Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Kampala on Friday, November 7, 2025.
During the engagement, three applications by Flight Training Center, Aerojet Aviation Ltd and Kampala Executive Aviation were heard. Kampala Executive Aviation, which is currently operating chartered flights, defended their application for aerial work and domestic and international scheduled passenger services.
Flight Training Centre is seeking to undertake domestic and international nonscheduled passenger and cargo, training and aerial work, while Aerojet Aviation Ltd applied for commencement of domestic and international non-scheduled passenger and cargo. Members of the public were given an opportunity to comment on the presentations by the applicants.
Earlier, in his opening remarks, the UCAA Board Chairman, Steven Kavuma, encouraged licensed operators serving domestic and international routes to synergize through codeshare agreements, in order to increase connectivity and stimulate the growth of air passenger and cargo traffic in Uganda. He noted that Uganda had forged strong global connections through Air Service Agreements concluded with fifty-nine countries, a testament to commitment to global connectivity.
MASSIVE INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADES AND STRATEGIC GLOBAL VICTORIES AT CIVIL AVIATION
The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), during a high-level stakeholder engagement held today at the Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala, declared a landmark year of growth and unveiled aggressive plans to transform the nation into a regional aviation powerhouse.
Led by the UCAA Director General, Mr. Fred K. Bamwesigye, the engagement highlighted unprecedented traffic growth and pivotal infrastructure development, positioning Uganda’s air transport sector for the next decade of expansion.
The engagement was attended by, among others, Mr. Kabbs Twijukye, Uganda’s representative to the International Civil Aviation Authority (ICAO), Justice Steven Kavuma, the Board Chairman of UCAA and his team, several representatives from the Ministry of Works and Transport, plus various air operators and other stakeholders.
Justice Steven Kavuma, the Board Chairman of UCAA, represented the State Minister for Works and Transport, Hon. Fred Byamukama
In his opening remarks, Mr. Bamwesigye, who took the audience through the core mandate of the UCAA, revealed that the Authority reported a significant boom in air traffic, driven by new routes and a stable economic environment.
“The UCAA registered international passenger traffic of 2,247,145 from January to November 2025, which has already surpassed the entire 2024 total of 2,243,104, even before accounting for the busy December period,” Mr. Bamwesigye said.
“Cargo traffic for the same period reached equality with the entire 2024 figure, driven by sustained international trade, although this will increase the capacity to 100,000 metric tonnes with the opening of the new cargo terminal,” he added.
He also revealed that the Ugandan airspace this year welcomed several new operators and routes, significantly enhancing global connectivity.
“Uganda Airlines launched its first European foray with direct flights to London Gatwick in May 2025,” Mr. Bamwesigye said, noting that this is a significant milestone not only for UCAA but Uganda as a whole in terms of boosting tourism and economic development.
He revealed that to expand its operations in the aviation sector, UCAA had registered new operators who include: Flynas (Riyadh/Entebbe), Malawi Airlines (Lilongwe/Entebbe), Fanjet Express, and Safarilink (both on the Nairobi/Entebbe route.
Mr. Kabbs Twijukye, Uganda’s representative to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) delivering his remarks
The State Minister for Works and Transport, Hon. Fred Byamukama, in a speech read for him by Justice Kavuma, commended the Authority for these achievements, recognising the critical role of aviation in boosting tourism, trade, and socio-economic development.
He also hailed the UCAA for working tirelessly towards the election of Uganda to the International Civil Aviation Authority Organisation (ICAO).
“Uganda’s election to the ICAO Council for the 2025 – 2028 term reflects the trust and high expectations that the international community has placed in Uganda at a transformative time for global air transport. As a Council member, the State will engage with ICAO’s 193 Member States to advance ICAO’s shared vision of air transport for all by 2050; one with zero fatalities and net-zero carbon emissions, and to drive the cooperation, innovation, and talent needed to realise that vision,” Minister Byamukama said.
The Minister also hailed the leadership at UCAA for ensuring that Uganda secured the opportunity to host the 48th East African Consultative Meeting on Facilitation of Air Transport, saying, “Uganda’s hosting of the 48th East African Consultative Meeting on Facilitation of Air Transport (EAC-FAL) in November 2025, further elevated the country’s profile as a key player in the development of air transport and underscored Uganda’s strong commitment to regional aviation cooperation, improved passenger facilitation, and enhanced air transport efficiency.”
UGANDA SHOWS FINAL DRAFT OF SUSTAINABLE AVIATION FUEL (SAF) FEASIBILITY STUDY
Uganda has taken a major step toward building a cleaner and more climate-resilient aviation sector with the presentation of the Final Draft Report of the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Feasibility Study, held on December 1, 2025, at Imperial Golf View Hotel, Entebbe.
The study was conducted under the ICAO ACT-SAF Programme, funded by the Government of the United Kingdom, and supported by ICAO’s Air Transport Bureau and ESAF Regional Office. This milestone positions Uganda as an active contributor to the global movement toward decarbonizing air transport.
While delivering remarks on behalf of the Director General, the Authority’s Deputy Director General, Ms. Olive Birungi Lumonya expressed gratitude to ICAO, the UK Government, and national stakeholders who contributed data and expertise during the study. She reiterated UCAA’s commitment to supporting global sustainability goals:
“Uganda recognizes that achieving ICAO’s Long-Term Aspirational Goal requires a comprehensive approach—including advances in aircraft technology, operational improvements, and the adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuels.”
Ms. Lumonya noted that Europe and other regions have already begun implementing mandatory SAF-blending requirements. Uganda Airlines, for example, is required to uplift SAF-blended fuel on its return flights from London. Establishing Uganda’s own SAF production capacity would reduce operational costs for airlines operating in and through Uganda, promote energy independence, and expand local economic opportunities.
Presenting supplementary remarks, Ms. Irene Atto, the acting Director of Safety, Security & Economic Regulation, emphasized that the study marks a turning point for Uganda:
“This report is more than a technical document—it is a roadmap for Uganda’s transition toward a sustainable, modern and environmentally responsible aviation sector.”
She highlighted that UCAA has consistently placed environmental protection at the centre of its strategy and was among the first African States to voluntarily join ICAO’s Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) in 2019.
Key Findings of the SAF Feasibility Study
According to the final draft report, Uganda has significant potential to produce SAF using its abundant biomass resources, including:
agricultural residues
energy crops
organic waste
The study shows that SAF production in Uganda is technically feasible, economically promising, and environmentally beneficial. Uganda could participate across the entire SAF value chain, from feedstock production to refining, distribution, and uptake by airlines.
The report aligns with the ICAO Global Framework for SAF, LCAF, and Cleaner Aviation Energy, adopted at CAAF/3 (2023), which sets a global aspiration of reducing aviation emissions by 5% by 2030 through cleaner energy.
The successful implementation of the SAF programme will require strong coordination with key government ministries, including:
Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development
Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries
Ministry of Water and Environment
Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC)
Under the proposed roadmap, UNOC and the Ministry of Energy will play critical roles in developing Uganda’s SAF production and refining capabilities, with UCAA maintaining its advisory and regulatory oversight role.
With the feasibility study now complete, Uganda will proceed to the second phase, which is developing a detailed national Business Case Study to guide SAF production, investment, policy development, and implementation strategies.
This next phase will outline the financial models, required infrastructure, partnerships, regulatory frameworks, and timelines necessary to operationalize SAF production in Uganda.
Both UCAA leaders emphasized that the transition to cleaner aviation energies is not just an environmental obligation but an economic opportunity that can unlock new jobs, strengthen rural economies through feedstock demand, and enhance Uganda’s energy security.
The event concluded with a call for continued stakeholder participation, written contributions, and active engagement to refine and finalize the roadmap.
Uganda’s aviation sector is now firmly on a path toward greener skies—aligned with global aviation goals and regional sustainability ambitions.
GREAT, 20TH NAFISAT SUPERVISORS MEET HERE
The Director General of the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), Mr. Fred K. Bamwesigye, this morning, opened the 20th NAFISAT Supervisory Board Meeting, taking place from 14th to 17th October 2025 at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala. The meeting, organized by UCAA in collaboration with Air Traffic Navigation Services (ATNS) and the International Civil Aviation Organization – Eastern and Southern Africa (ICAO-ESAF), has brought together representatives from 14 NAFISAT States, along with officials from ATNS, IATA, and the ICAO ESAF Office.
In his opening remarks, UCAA Director General, Mr. Fred K. Bamwesigye, expressed how pleased Uganda was to host the NAFISAT Maintenance and Management Centre at Entebbe International Airport, describing it as “a hub that ensures operational integrity and technical coordination for the entire region.”
He hailed NAFISAT as “a true success story, proof of what African States and institutions can achieve when we work together towards a common goal.” Echoing this, ICAO’s representative, Mr. Harvey Gabriel Lekamisy noted that “NAFISAT was designed to support Aeronautical Fixed Telecommunication Network (AFTN), ATS/DS, and ATN services. Built on VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) technology, it provides robust communication links in areas with limited terrestrial infrastructure while seamlessly integrating with networks like the Southern African Development Community Very Small Aperture Terminal (SADC VSAT) and the African Indian Ocean Satellite Network (AFISNET) to strengthen continental connectivity.”
Over the next two days, discussions will focus on strengthening interoperability, enhancing infrastructure, and aligning regional systems with ICAO’s Global Air Navigation Plan and Aviation System Block Upgrades (ASBUs). Mr. Bamwesigye further stressed the importance of capacity building, innovation, and inclusivity, ensuring that all States, regardless of size or resources, benefit from the progress being made.
The 20th NAFISAT Supervisory Board Meeting marks more than just a review of technical systems. It is a reaffirmation of Africa’s collective vision: building safer, smarter, and more connected skies for the continent and the world.
