The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a safe, secure, and efficient air transport environment in Uganda and across Africa.
According to Fred K. Bamwesigye, the Director General of UCAA, the authority is working closely with aviation stakeholders to achieve this goal.
Bamwesigye made the remarks during the Validation Workshop of the Follow-up Study for the Development and Implementation of a Strategic Plan for Supporting and Strengthening Regional Safety Oversight Organisations (RSOOs) in Africa, which started on Monday, April 28 and will end on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at Speke Resort Munyonyo, Kampala.
Speaking at the workshop, Bamwesigye emphasised Uganda’s strong commitment to advancing aviation safety and enhancing regional collaboration.
“Effective Regional Safety Oversight Organisations (RSOOs) are crucial to improving safety oversight, fostering harmonised regulations, and driving sustainable growth in Africa’s aviation sector,” Bamwesigye said.
He reiterated that this important forum aligns with the collective vision of strengthening Africa’s aviation systems through innovation, cooperation, and the strategic consolidation of safety oversight efforts.
The workshop was held by the UCAA in collaboration with the East African Community Civil Aviation Safety and Security Oversight Agency (CASSOA), the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
This commitment is expected to have a positive impact on Uganda’s trade across Africa, boosting economic growth and development.
The Importance of Aviation Safety
Aviation safety is crucial for the growth and development of the aviation industry. Effective Regional Safety Oversight Organisations (RSOOs) play a vital role in improving safety oversight, fostering harmonised regulations, and driving sustainable growth in Africa’s aviation sector.
Bamwesigye explained that by prioritising aviation safety, Uganda can enhance its reputation as a reliable and secure destination for trade and investment.
Benefits of Secure Airspace
Secure airspace can have numerous benefits for Uganda’s trade across Africa, including:
Increased Trade Volumes
Secure airspace can increase trade volumes by reducing the risk of accidents and incidents, making it a more attractive option for cargo and passenger transport.
Improved Economic Growth
By boosting trade volumes, secure airspace can contribute to improved economic growth and development in Uganda.
Enhanced Regional Collaboration
Uganda’s commitment to aviation safety can foster regional collaboration and cooperation, promoting a more integrated and efficient aviation system in Africa.
Increased Investment
A secure airspace can attract more investment into Uganda, as investors are more likely to invest in a country with a reliable and secure aviation system.
Collaboration and Partnership
The UCAA is working closely with various stakeholders, including the East African Community Civil Aviation Safety and Security Oversight Agency (CASSOA), the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), to ensure a safe and secure air transport environment. This collaboration is crucial for promoting aviation safety and security in Uganda and across Africa.
Uganda’s commitment to aviation safety and security is a positive step towards boosting trade across Africa.
By prioritising secure airspace, Uganda can increase trade volumes, improve economic growth, and enhance regional collaboration.
The UCAA’s efforts to work closely with aviation stakeholders, therefore, will be crucial in achieving this goal and promoting a more integrated and efficient aviation system in Africa.