Uganda is speeding up amendments to its aviation laws to fix significant gaps identified in a September 2023 audit, its parliament said in a statement on Tuesday 30th Jan.
- •The amendments were tabled by the Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Edward K Wamala on Tuesday.
- •The Committee on Physical Infrastructure is expected to report to the legislative body on 1st February 2024.
- •After an initial 6-18 Sept audit by The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), Uganda is also currently undergoing a universal security audit.
While the government was not clear about all the hard-hitting recommendations of the 2023 report, it was clear in the need to process the amendments before the end of the ongoing audit on 8th February.
“A finding of a significant safety concern is in effect, a notice to the world that it is not safe to travel by air to Uganda or on any registered Ugandan aircraft,” Min. Katumba Wamala said.
Highlights
The proposed Bill will amend the existing Civil Aviation Authority Act, Cap. 354 that was enacted in 1991.
- •It will bring Uganda’s aviation authority in conformity with the Convention on International Civil Aviation.
- •It will also delegate powers to Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) inspectors to have unrestricted access to aircraft, aerodromes and aviation facilities including cargo and records of aviation organisations.
- •The amendments also enable the regulator to recognise agreements with third party states, in relation to transfer of functions and duties as well as prescribing additional offences.
The bill will also create a framework for cross-border aviation transactions for ensuring safety oversight of an aircraft that is operated from another country.
There are more than 13 international airline companies in Uganda’s aviation industry.
