National Air Transport Facilitation Committee Convenes at Entebbe International Airport

The Ministry of Works and Transport, in conjunction with the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), successfully convened the National Air Transport Facilitation Committee meeting at Entebbe International Airport.

The high-level meeting brought together a wide spectrum of key stakeholders, underscoring a collaborative approach to advancing Uganda’s aviation sector. Participants included officials from various airlines, ground handling companies, the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control, the Uganda Revenue Authority, multiple security agencies, and representatives from the Ministries of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities; Health; Trade, Industry and Cooperatives; Defence and Veteran Affairs; and Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries.

A Platform for Collaboration and Seamless Travel

The meeting was officially opened by Mr. Winstone Katushabe, the Commissioner for Transport Regulation and Safety, who represented the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works and Transport and Chairperson of the Committee. In his opening remarks, Mr. Katushabe extended his gratitude to the members for their participation and reaffirmed the Committee’s vital role.

“The National Air Transport Facilitation Committee serves as an essential platform for collaboration, cooperation, and information sharing among all stakeholders in our aviation community,” stated Mr. Katushabe. “Your work is critical in facilitating the seamless movement of aircraft, passengers, cargo, and mail, which is the backbone of international trade and tourism.”

He further emphasized that the Committee’s activities are guided by the international Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) of Annex 9 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation. “Compliance is not merely a regulatory exercise,” he noted, “but a fundamental requirement for improving the traveler’s experience within a safe, secure, and efficient aviation environment.”

Strategic Agenda for a Robust Aviation Sector

The meeting featured comprehensive presentations on several key strategic initiatives, including:

• Updates to the National Programme: Discussions on proposed amendments to the National Air Transport Facilitation Programme to align with evolving international standards.
• Public Health Preparedness: A briefing on the EAC CASSOA Collaborative Arrangement for the Prevention and Management of Public Health Events in Civil Aviation (CAPSCA), highlighting ongoing efforts to bolster Uganda’s defenses against health threats in the aviation domain.
• Regional Cooperation: A review of the implementation status of recommendations from the 47th East African Consultative Meeting on Air Transport Facilitation.
• Preparations for the 48th EAC Meeting: Detailed planning for the forthcoming 48th EAC Consultative Meeting on Facilitation of Air Transport, scheduled to be hosted by Uganda from November 26-28, 2025. This event will position Uganda at the forefront of regional aviation discourse.
• Infrastructure Readiness: An overview of the inspection of Entebbe International Airport facilities to ensure readiness for future growth and international events.

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from all agencies to work in concert to enhance the efficiency, security, and customer experience of Uganda’s air transport system, solidifying the country’s role as a key aviation hub in the East African region.