The Ministry of Works and Transport, in conjunction with the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), convened the National Air Transport Facilitation Committee (NATFC) meeting on October 29, 2025, at Entebbe International Airport (EIA).
The high-level gathering underscored Uganda’s commitment to optimising the travel ecosystem, ensuring compliance with international standards, and enhancing the overall passenger experience.
The NATFC serves as a critical platform for collaboration, cooperation, and information sharing among all stakeholders vital to the smooth functioning of air transport.
The diverse participation highlights the inter-ministerial and multi-agency effort required for seamless air operations, as explained below:
Government Agencies: Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control, Uganda Revenue Authority, Security Agencies, Ministries of Health, Trade, Tourism, Defense, and Agriculture.
Industry Partners: These include Airlines and Ground Handling companies.
Mr. Winstone Katushabe, the Commissioner, Transport Regulation and Safety, who represented the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works and Transport, chaired the meeting.
He emphasised the committee’s role in facilitating the seamless movement of aircraft, passengers, cargo, and mail across Entebbe International Airport.
Compliance is Key as Per ICAO Annex 9
The activities of the NATFC are explicitly guided by the Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) contained in Annex 9 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation (the Chicago Convention).
“Compliance is not merely a regulatory exercise but a fundamental requirement for improving travellers’ experience in a safe and secure aviation environment,” Mr. Katushabe stated.
He noted that this focus on Annex 9 signifies Uganda’s commitment to maintaining a robust and standardised framework for Facilitation (FAL), which is designed to prevent unnecessary delays and streamline border control processes (customs, immigration, and quarantine).
Driving Regional and National Agendas
The meeting’s agenda covered several key items, demonstrating a forward-looking approach to both national infrastructure and regional harmonisation in the following ways:
National Programme Amendments
The discussion focused on amendments to the National Air Transport Facilitation Programme to ensure it remains current and effective in implementing ICAO SARPs.
Public Health Preparedness (CAPSCA)
Members received a brief on the upcoming EAC CASSOA Collaborative Arrangement for the Prevention and Management of Public Health Events in Civil Aviation (CAPSCA). This initiative, supported by ICAO and WHO, aims to strengthen Uganda’s preparedness and response mechanisms against public health emergencies that could affect the aviation sector, a critical lesson learned from global pandemics like COVID-19.
EAC Facilitation
The committee reviewed the status of implementation of recommendations from the 47th East African Consultative meeting on Air Transport Facilitation. This regional synchronisation is crucial for promoting efficient cross-border movement within the East African Community.
Hosting the 48th EAC Meeting
Plans were finalised for the forthcoming 48th EAC Consultative meeting on Facilitation of Air transport, which Uganda will host from November 26 to 28, 2025. This event will take place in Entebbe at the centre of regional air transport policy discussions.
Infrastructure Inspection
The session concluded with an inspection of Entebbe International Airport, ensuring that the physical infrastructure and ongoing development projects align with facilitation and safety goals.
The NATFC meeting reinforces the necessity of multi-sectoral cooperation to ensure Uganda’s air transport sector not only adheres to global standards but also delivers an efficient, secure, and world-class experience for all air travellers.