The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority, Director General, Mr. Fred K. Bamwesigye has responded to the public outcry about the increased delays and cancellation of flights by Uganda Airlines -stating the regulator has taken up the matter and investigations are on-going.
Bamwesigye while speaking during a well attended breakfast stakeholder engagement organised by the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority in Kampala said that although the Uganda Airlines cancelation of flights does not present an immediate safety concern, “but we are going to conduct investigations to establish the issues and determine the appropriate way forward” in line with aviation oversight standards.
While commenting on the same issue , the UCAA Director of Safety , Security and Economic Regulation , Eng. Ronny Barongo , attributed some of Uganda Airlines challenges to lack of capacity given the small fleet being operated by the national carrier . ” We have advised the airline’s management o put in place effective mitigation measurers like cooperating with other regional airlines for boarding sharing in cases of emergencies or unexpected interuptions ,” he said.
Justice Stephen Kavuma , the UCAA Board of Directors Chairman , in a speech he read on behalf of the State Minister for Works and Transports ,Fred Byamukama , commended the UCAA team for the outstanding accomplishments achieved in 2025.
The minister said that Uganda’s election to the ICAO Council for the 2025 – 2028 term reflected the trust and high expectations that the international community has placed in the country at a transformative time for global air transport.
” As a Council member, the State will engage with ICAO’s 193 Member States to advance ICAO’s shared vision of air transport for all by 2050—one with zero fatalities and net-zero carbon emissions—and to drive the cooperation, innovation, and talent needed to realize that vision, ” he added.
Byamukama also told the audience that Uganda’s hosting of the 48th East African Consultative Meeting on Facilitation of Air Transport (EAC-FAL) in November 2025, further elevated the country’s profile as a key player in the development of air transport and underscored Uganda’s strong commitment to regional aviation cooperation, improved passenger facilitation, and enhanced air transport efficiency.
The Minister said that his ministry has taken significant steps toward signing additional Bilateral Air Services Agreements (BASAs) with other countries to develop a robust air transport network that connects Uganda to major cities worldwide. The DG highlighted the countries with whom we have recently signed BASAs.
” I am pleased to note that the national carrier now serves seventeen destinations, including London Gatwick,” Byamukama said but hastened to add that as the industry gets busier, even the challenges increase.
He argued all service providers to ensure timely resolution of customer complaints. ” The Ministry of Works and Transport places great importance to the aviation sub-sector, recognizing its critical role in providing direct international access and promoting tourism, trade, and socio-economic development. We fully support all efforts aimed at enhancing the vibrancy and efficiency of air transport,” he added.
Other milestones include the development of Kabalega International Airport in Kabaale, Hoima District, to support the oil and gas sector, on completion next year, the airport will be handed over to UCAA for operationalisation.
Following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Uganda and the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce in June 2024, Byamukama said the construction of Kidepo International Airport in Karamoja is ongoing. “This Public-Private Partnership has strengthened relations with Gulf partners and created valuable opportunities for enhanced cooperation in investment and trade. “
As the Authority prepares to open the newly completed 20,000-square-meter Passenger Terminal Building to the public, the minister urged all service providers operating at Entebbe International Airport to ensure that the services they render to passengers match the revamped infrastructure.
