Uganda has positioned itself at the forefront of African air navigation modernisation by hosting the critical Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation (CANSO), the ICAO System-Wide Information Management (SWIM) and Flight and Flow Information for a Collaborative Environment (FF-ICE) Workshop.
Hosted by the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) at Protea Hotel in Entebbe, the three-day event (December 2–4, 2025) aims to enhance information exchange and strengthen aviation system interoperability across the region.
The workshop, which was officially opened by the UCAA Director General, Mr. Fred K. Bamwesigye, coincides with the global Aviation Week (December 1–7, 2025), underscoring Uganda’s commitment to advancing global best practices.
The workshop brings together experts in Aeronautical Information Management (AIM), Air Traffic Management (ATM), Meteorology (MET), Communications, Navigation, and Surveillance (CNS), alongside regulators, to accelerate the collective progress of African States.
Some of these include: Ms. Lucy Mbugua, the ICAO ESAF Regional Director, Mr. Thabani Myeza, the CANSO Africa Affairs Director, Ms. Keziah Ogutu, the Regional Officer ATM/SAR – ESAF, Serge Guy Tchanda, the Regional Officer ATM/SAR – WACAF and Ms. Nicki Harricharan, the Operations Programme Manager – CANSO.
UCAA’s Progress in Digital Transformation
Ms. Olive Birungi Lumonya, Deputy Director General of the UCAA, welcomed delegates and highlighted Uganda’s substantial achievements in implementing the foundational technologies required for the trajectory-based operations (TBO) that SWIM and FF-ICE enable.
She identified these modules as transformative, ensuring not only the safety but also the efficiency of air navigation operations. Ms. Lumonya revealed that UCAA’s key digital milestones include:
Aeronautical Data Exchange (AIXM 5.1)
Successfully implemented AIXM 5.1 (Aeronautical Information Exchange Model) to support the digital and structured exchange of aeronautical data, which is essential for SWIM environments.
Meteorological Data (IWXXM)
She declared that “the UCAA has advanced its MET data capabilities through the implementation of IWXXM (ICAO Meteorological Information Exchange Model), ensuring standardised digital exchange of meteorological information in line with global requirements.”
Electronic Terrain and Obstacle Data (eTOD)
Ms. Lumonya also disclosed that significant progress has been made in implementing eTOD, which enhances safety-related information critical for modern surveillance, procedure design, and aerodrome safeguarding.
Collaboration as Key to Regional Interoperability
Ms. Lumonya stressed that the success of SWIM and FF-ICE is inherently dependent on regional and global collaboration, harmonisation, and shared learning.
“Their success depends on collaboration, harmonisation, and shared learning. That is why a forum like this workshop is so important,” she stated.
She stressed that the workshop serves as a platform to challenge ideas, explore practical solutions, and build partnerships that will strengthen the continent’s readiness for the future of air navigation.
Celebrating Aviation Week
The event is one of several technical and community activities UCAA has organised to celebrate Aviation Week. Other activities include a Stakeholders’ Engagement Breakfast and a series of sporting competitions (including golf, basketball, chess, and Netball) involving stakeholders and the community, reinforcing the UCAA’s role in public engagement.
The UCAA extended its gratitude to ICAO and CANSO for their continued support and leadership, and for selecting Uganda to host this crucial engagement, underscoring the nation’s growing role in shaping the future of African skies.
The workshop was officially declared open by the UCAA leadership, initiating a period of intensive knowledge exchange among Africa’s leading aviation experts.