Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) has launched its inaugural Aviation Safety Week, aimed at reinforcing a culture of safety among industry stakeholders and the broader community.
Running from November 11 to 15, 2024, the week’s theme, “Safe Airports, Stronger Together,” emphasizes collective responsibility in maintaining high safety standards at Uganda’s Entebbe International Airport.
UCAA Director General Fred Bamwesigye highlighted that the week aims to enhance stakeholders’ commitment to safety.
“We have put in place efforts in observing safety in aviation because almost everything in aviation resonates with the safety of passengers and aviation users,” he said.
He underscored the need for consistent reminders to prevent complacency, comparing it to how religious communities regularly revisit their teachings to reinforce values.
According to Bamwesigye, fostering a safety culture is a “shared way of how values are developed and shared,” and events like Safety Week play a critical role in maintaining this culture.
Bamwesigye noted that the UCAA has made significant infrastructure investments over the years, including modern safety equipment to protect passengers and staff.
Technological innovations, such as data-based communication systems, now enable smoother and safer interactions between aircraft and air traffic controllers, especially in areas where traditional voice communications may be unreliable.
This week also aims to build awareness around environmental impacts, including carbon emissions from aircraft and the environmental standards required for airport facilities.
Bamwesigye expressed that a comprehensive approach is needed to address environmental impacts, stressing that “safety involves not only the objects but also the air you breathe in, the environment you are seated in, and the likely impact of human activities in the aviation sector.”
This holistic approach to safety extends to the new initiatives introduced during the week.
Colonel Emmanuel Barungi, Director of Airport Aviation Security at the UCAA, highlighted a newly launched Hazard Identification Form as a tool to enhance safety reporting.
“We encourage free reporting on safety issues, and if you see any safety issue, report it immediately. This should be part of you in your daily activities,” Barungi emphasized.
He also underscored the importance of working with nearby communities to build a cohesive environment that aligns with safety goals.
Collaborative safety and development are key objectives, aiming to create mutually beneficial relationships between the airport and neighboring areas.
Eng. Ronny Barongo, UCAA Director of Safety, Security, and Economic Regulation, spoke about the significance of Aviation Safety Week as Uganda prepares for the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) 80th anniversary of the Chicago Convention, which established standards for civil aviation.
He shared that, by 2050, ICAO aims for net-zero carbon emissions, aligning with the Safety Week’s emphasis on environmentally friendly practices. He urged stakeholders to consider “system thinking and safety intelligence to improve our level of safety within Entebbe International Airport and Ugandan airspace.”
Barungi pointed to the airport’s recent certification, which assures users that it meets international safety standards and highlights the commitment to continuous improvement.
Entebbe Municipality Mayor Fabrice Brad Rulinda also attended the event, expressing the council’s commitment to supporting UCAA’s safety initiatives and improving the coexistence of the airport with the local community.
He acknowledged the challenges residents near the airport face, such as noise and security concerns, and emphasized the council’s role in fostering a positive relationship with the aviation authority.
“As landlords of the airport, we are glad to be part of the aviation safety week,” said Rulinda, adding that the council is “committed to ensuring peaceful coexistence between the community and Civil Aviation Authority.”
Ultimately, Uganda’s first Aviation Safety Week is set to reinforce a culture of safety within Entebbe International Airport and strengthen collaborations with the community, ensuring both safety and environmental sustainability.
