Uganda Civil Aviation Authority Officially Inaugurates National Committee on Wildlife Hazard Management

Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) has today the 21st May 2025 inaugurated the National Committee on Wildlife Hazard Management aimed at analyzing wildlife hazard challenges at aerodromes, undertaking research and development, and reviewing the effectiveness of mitigation measures in place.

The committee established under the civil aviation (Aerodromes) regulations, 2022, marks a key step in Uganda’s proactive efforts to mitigate wildlife risks to aviation safety, especially the threat of bird strikes, among others.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Works and Transport, the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority Board Chairman Hon. Justice Steven Kavuma noted that the increasing frequency of wildlife strikes, particularly bird strikes, poses a significant challenge to aviation safety not only for Uganda but across the globe.

“This is one area of aviation safety where proactive and collaborative management can make a real and lasting difference.

The formation of this national committee is both timely and necessary. It signals a device step forward in the government of Uganda’s commitment to systematically address the risks posed by wildlife around airports and airspace.

It brings together essential minds from the aviation industry, Makerere University, environmental science, Wildlife, airport management and government agencies”. noted Kavuma.

Uganda Civil Aviation Authority Director General Mr. Frek. K. Bamwesigye who serves as the Chairperson of the committee emphasized the importance of a coordinated, data-driven approach, in managing threats such as bird strikes, which remain a serious global and local challenge. ”

This committee is not simply a formality, it is a working body with a clear mandate, measurable outcomes, and accountability to the aviation industry” Mr. Bamwesigye noted.

The other members of the committee are; Hon. Justice Steven Kavuma who serves as Board Chairman of Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), Eng. Barongo Ronny- Director Safety, Security and Economic Regulation, Uganda Civil Aviation Authority, Mr. Joses Tegyeza Kachetero from the Ministry of Public Service, Ms. Winnie Nampeera from the Ministry of Works and Transport, Mr. Kidega Denis from the Ministry of Lands, Ms. Anne Lilian Nakafeero from National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), Captain Twesigye Emmanuel from Uganda Wildlife Authority, Colonel Ainomugisha Collins from UPDF Air Forces, Lt. Kagina Alex from UPDF Air Forces, Ms.Gloria Kilabo from UCAA, Mr. Andrew Sempungu from UCAA, Dr. Nakanjako Maria Flavia from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Dr. Perpetra Akite from Makerere University, Ms. Atto Irene from UCAA, Mr. Bigirwa Emmanuel from UCAA, Ms Nafuna Suzan from UCAA and Capt. Japeth Okabo Okeng from Uganda Airlines.