It was such great honour and motivation for Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) to crown up 2019 in style after it scooped three regional aviation awards in recognition of its continued adherence to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) regulations and most importantly for playing a key role in celebration of ICAO’s 75 years of ‘Connecting the World’.
Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) was recognized during ICAO’s Eastern & Southern Africa (ESAF) region States International Aviation Day (2019) celebrations that were held at the BOMAS of Kenya.
An appreciation award for Excellence in Aviation went to the UCAA Director-General, Prof. David Kakuba and an Aviation Pioneer Award to the Manager Public Affairs, Vianney Mpungu Luggya.
The two awards were received by the Manager Public Affairs, Vianney Mpungu Luggya from the ICAO ESAF Regional Director, Mr. Barry Kashambo and the host, Kenya CAA Director-General, Capt. Gilbert Kibe at the Awards ceremony that was held on Saturday.
The third appreciation certificate for Uganda went to Mr. Zephania Baliddawa, a retired aviator in recognition of distinguished service in the region. It was received by his granddaughter, Victoria Opara. Mr. Baliddawa, who is enjoying his retirement in Jinja was one of the first Air Traffic Controllers in the region and is also a former Board Chairman of UCAA. He also worked with ICAO for several years during his industrious aviation career.
The 2019 Aviation Week celebrations were special as ICAO was celebrating a Platinum Jubilee and therefore urged Member States to undertake celebrations to demystify the aviation industry throughout the year. The International Aviation Day is the climax of Aviation Week celebrations, which annually run from December 1-7, every year.
Uganda is among the States that obliged and engaged in various celebrations, including an Aviation Run whose proceeds were dedicated to supporting a charitable cause at Entebbe Regional Hospital, hoisting of the ICAO Flag and erection of a memorable monument at the Source of the Nile. The Aviation Run winner and another lucky draw winner from Jinja won Uganda Airlines return flights to Mombasa. There was also an Aviation Quiz and Aviation Tips campaign that run in the media as part of the celebration. Winners of the quiz won all-expenses-paid return domestic flights to National Parks in Kasese, Kihihi and Kisoro.
Celebration of the Air Traffic Controllers’ Day in October with a procession, painting of a Basketball Court, a Career Guidance Session and blood donation exercise at Old Kampala SSS were also linked to the ICAO celebrations.
Earlier in May 2019, Uganda successfully hosted the 6th ICAO African & Indian Ocean (AFI) Aviation Week Conference that was also attended by the ICAO Secretary General, Dr. Fang Liu, at Speke Resort Munyonyo. Many representatives from international organizations and Delegates who attended the Conference commended the hosts for a memorable experience.
