In a powerful demonstration of its commitment to safety, the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) has teamed up with the Department of Meteorological Services to host an Aviation Weather Awareness Workshop.
Held from August 14-15, 2025, at the Imperial Golf View Hotel in Entebbe, this event brings together a wide range of aviation stakeholders to address a fundamental principle of flight: accurate weather information is non-negotiable for safety.
This collaboration is a strategic response to the significant growth in Uganda’s air traffic and the increasing challenges posed by climate change.
Critical Role of Timely Weather Information
During the opening of the workshop, UCAA Director General Fred K. Bamwesigye underscored the importance of the initiative.
“Accurate, timely, and reliable weather information is crucial to flight safety, operational efficiency, and planning from take-off to landing,” Bamwesigye said.
He noted that weather conditions like thunderstorms, strong winds, and poor visibility can pose serious risks to an aircraft’s performance and passenger safety.
He explained that by bringing together meteorologists, airline operators, and air traffic controllers, the workshop aims to foster greater coordination, ensuring that weather forecasts are not just accurate but also effectively communicated and integrated into aviation operations.
The timing of this workshop is particularly critical given the rapid expansion of Uganda’s aviation sector.
Bamwesigye highlighted that aircraft movements have risen significantly, from 21,584 in 2021 to 32,552 in 2024. This growth necessitates a corresponding strengthening of safety measures.
He observed that the workshop thus serves as a proactive step to ensure that the nation’s aviation infrastructure and human resources are prepared to handle this increased traffic safely.
Turning Forecasts into Proactive Safety Measures
Dr. Bob Alex Ogwang, the Commissioner for Meteorology, emphasised the need for strong partnerships, stating that “weather information is only as valuable as the action it inspires.”
This sentiment is at the core of the workshop’s objectives, which include:
To foster seamless coordination between meteorology and aviation.
To enhance operational efficiency by minimising weather-related delays and disruptions.
To build consensus on aviation weather mandates, ensuring all stakeholders are aligned.
To improve preparedness for climate-related challenges, such as extreme weather events that can impact aircraft performance and airport infrastructure.
In essence, the workshop underscores UCAA’s unwavering commitment to its core mission: Safety, Safety and Safety.
By bringing together experts to share knowledge and develop solutions, Uganda is not only responding to current operational demands but also strategically positioning itself to meet future aviation challenges.