Works and Transport Minister Gen. Katumba Wamala appointed a new Board of Directors for the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority,UCAA, in June 2020, to steer the 29-year old Government agency for the next 3 years.
Chaired by retired Justice Steven Kavuma, members include: Ms Ethel Kamba, Ms Angela Kiryabwire Kanyima, Mr James Kubeketerya and Hajji Zubairi Musoke. Other members are Mr Thomas James Kiggundu, Dr Alayo Ocero and Mr Lubowa Moses Paul.
Receiving the mantle from outgoing Chairman Eng. Edward Mike Ndawula, Justice Kavuma expressed readiness to execute their mandate to the satisfaction of the industry stakeholders and country.
“I hope there will be a scientific induction for the Board to play their role effectively. Just give us the tools. We are ready”, asserted the Chairman.
The new Board comes at a time when aviation in Uganda is witnessing unprecedented development. Entebbe International Airport is expanding passenger and cargo facilities, the aircraft parking stand and upgrading alternate Runway 12/30.
A special purpose Airport in Hoima, mid-western Uganda, is under construction as the country joins the regional race for improved airport and aeronautical infrastructure in anticipation of increased traffic. The Airport in Hoima will facilitate the new-found oil industry.
The resumption of operations by Uganda Airlines in August 2020 as Entebbe airport’s home-based carrier also changed the aviation landscape in the country.
The new Board will however brace itself for some challenges. The global aviation industry is reeling from a catastrophic COVID-19 pandemic that has changed the face and standards of air travel. Stringent SOPs, reduced international tourist in-flows and a flattened world trade environment are the other up-hills.
These could translate in reduced revenue to UCAA thus affecting the implementation of the National Civil Aviation Master-plan 2034. The challenges not withstanding, the travelling public and stakeholders look forward to a fairly regulated industry, safe for our travel and national development.
