The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCCA), has taken a significant step towards enhancing aviation safety and protecting the country’s wildlife and tourism sector by constituting the National Committee on Wildlife Hazard Management.
This committee, chaired by Mr. Fred Bamwesigye, the UCCA Director General, aims to address the threat of wildlife, particularly bird strikes, to aviation safety in Uganda.
Speaking during its inauguration ceremony on Wednesday, on behalf of the Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Katumba Wamala, the UCAA Board Chairman, Hon. Justice Steven Kavuma, highlighted the urgency of the matter.
“The increasing frequency of incidents involving birds and other wildlife presents a serious threat to aviation, not just in Uganda but globally,” Justice Kavuma said, adding, “This is one area of aviation safety where proactive and collaborative management can make a lasting difference.”
He pointed out that the Committee brings together a multidisciplinary team drawn from aviation, environmental science, wildlife conservation, academia and various government agencies.
He affirmed the government’s resolve to foster a secure airspace by systematically addressing wildlife threats near airports and airspace corridors.
In remarks, Bamwesigye pledged that this Committee will not be a formality but a working body with a clear mandate, measurable outcomes, and accountability to the aviation industry.
“Glad to have attended the inaugural meeting of the National Committee on Wildlife Hazard Management yesterday. I’m privileged to Chair this important committee, which is tasked with addressing the threat of wildlife, particularly bird strikes to aviation safety in Uganda,” Bamwesigye said.
“Bird and wildlife strikes remain one of the most persistent operational risks facing airports globally and locally,” he added.
Other Committee Members
Besides Justice Kavuma and Bamwesigye, the Committee includes the following other members;
Eng. Ronny Barongo (UCAA), Mr. Joses Tegyeza Kachetero (Ministry of Public Service), Ms. Winnie Nampeera (Ministry of Works and Transport), Mr. Denis Kidega (Ministry of Lands), Ms. Anne Lilian Nakafeero (NEMA), Captain Emmanuel Twesigye and Mr. Dan Mirembe (both from Uganda Wildlife Authority), Col. Ainomugisha Collins and Lt. Kagina Alex ( from UPDF).
The Committee also includes: Ms. Gloria Kirabo, Mr. Andrew Ssempungu, Ms. Atto Irene, Mr. Bigirwa Emmanuel and Ms. Nafuna Suzan (UCAA), Dr. Maria Flavia Nakanjako (Ministry of Agriculture), Dr. Perpetra Akite (Makerere University) and Captain Japeth Okabo Okeng (Uganda Airlines).
Importance of Wildlife Hazard Management
Wildlife hazard management is crucial for ensuring the safety of aircraft, passengers, and wildlife. Bird strikes, in particular, pose a significant risk to aviation safety and can result in costly damage to aircraft and disruption to flight operations. By addressing this issue, the committee can help to minimise the risks associated with bird strikes and promote safe and efficient air travel.
Benefits for Uganda’s Wildlife and Tourism Sector
The constitution of the National Committee on Wildlife Hazard Management is good news for Uganda’s wildlife and tourism sector. By ensuring the safety of aircraft and reducing the risk of bird strikes, the committee can help to:
Protect wildlife
By managing wildlife hazards, the committee can help to protect Uganda’s rich wildlife heritage and prevent harm to birds and other animals.
Promote tourism
Safe and efficient air travel can help to promote tourism in Uganda, which is a significant contributor to the country’s economy. By ensuring the safety of aircraft and passengers, the committee can help to boost confidence in Uganda’s aviation industry and attract more tourists to the country.
Support economic growth
The tourism sector is a major driver of economic growth in Uganda, and the committee’s efforts can help to support this growth by promoting safe and efficient air travel.
The constitution of the National Committee on Wildlife Hazard Management is a positive development for Uganda’s wildlife and tourism sector.
By addressing the threat of wildlife hazards, particularly bird strikes, the committee can help to promote safe and efficient air travel, protect wildlife, and support economic growth.
With its clear mandate and measurable outcomes, the committee is well-positioned to make a positive impact on Uganda’s aviation industry and tourism sector.