In a significant development for Uganda’s aviation sector, Mr. Samuel Wonekha, the General Manager of Regional Airports at the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), has been elected to the Airports Council International (ACI) Africa Region Board.
Following this development, he was also appointed to the ACI Africa Executive Committee for a three-year term from 2026 to 2028.
This appointment, which took place at the ACI Africa Regional Conference in Lusaka, Zambia, under the theme “Powering African Airports for strategic growth,” is a major win for Uganda, positioning the country to play a more influential role in shaping the future of African aviation. ACI’s Eastern region includes Comoros, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mayotte, Reunion, Seychelles, Somalia, Tanzania and Uganda.
A Seat at the High Table for Uganda
Wonekha’s election to the 22-member board and the subsequent appointment to the 9-member executive committee are monumental achievements.
ACI World represents 2,181 airports globally, while the ACI Africa region alone manages over 265 airports across 54 countries.
This appointment gives Uganda a seat at the highest level of airport leadership in Africa, allowing the country to directly influence policy and strategic direction.
Strategic Benefits for Uganda
Wonekha’s new role offers numerous benefits that are crucial for Uganda’s aviation development:
Influence on Global Policy
Wonekha will be able to contribute to global aviation policy, ensuring that Uganda’s interests and unique challenges are represented at an international level.
Access to Best Practices
He will gain valuable insights into industry trends and network with leading airport professionals, allowing Uganda to adopt best practices in airport management, safety, and security.
Human Resource Development
The appointment provides opportunities to collaborate on human resource initiatives, which are vital for building a skilled workforce to support Uganda’s expanding aviation infrastructure.
Focus on Key Areas
His role on various committees will allow him to lead strategic efforts on crucial issues such as safety, security, environment, and innovation, all of which are essential for the growth and modernisation of Uganda’s airports.
In essence, Wonekha’s appointment is not merely a personal honour but a strategic advantage for Uganda. It provides a direct conduit for knowledge transfer, collaboration, and policy influence that will be invaluable as the country continues to develop its aviation sector and position itself as a key player in regional and global air travel.