Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), in Partnership with the East African Community Civil Aviation Safety and Security Oversight Agency (CASSOA), the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), has held a validation workshop following a s study aimed at developing and implementing a strategic plan for supporting and strengthening Regional Safety Oversight Organizations (RSOOs) in Africa .
The three day validation workshop held at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala, brought together over 100 delegates, including key representatives from ICAO, the African Union Commission (AUC), the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), and various Regional Safety Oversight Organizations (RSOOs) across the continent.
In his opening remarks, the Director General of Uganda Civil Aviation Authority Mr. Fred K. Bamwesigye emphasized Uganda’s strong commitment to advancing aviation safety and enhancing regional collaboration.
Mr. Bamwesigye said that effective Regional Safety Oversight Organizations (RSOOs) are crucial in improving safety oversight, fostering harmonized regulations and driving sustainable growth in Africa’s aviation sector.
“The role of Regional Safety Oversight Organisations (RSOOs) has become increasingly vital in supporting States to meet their obligations under the Chicago Convention, particularly in the implementation of effective safety oversight systems.
Given the diversity of capacities and resources across States, RSOOs offer a structured and cooperative platform for shared expertise, best practices, harmonized oversight processes, and mutual assistance,” Bamwesigye stated .
Bamwesigye explained that because Uganda is a Partner State of the EAC RSOO – CASSOA, the country has benefited through technical support, capacity building and harmonisation of the regulatory framework among others.
The DG stressed that Uganda remains committed to regional cooperation in civil aviation. “ We believe that through unified action, shared responsibility, and continued engagement with ICAO, partner organisations and other States, we can further enhance our collective capacity to uphold the highest standards of aviation safety.
The ICAO Eastern and Southern African Regional Office Deputy Regional Director ,Mr Arthemon Ndikumana, reaffirmed ICAO’s full commitment to work closely with all partners to support and coordinate efforts to strengthen RSOOs/ RAIOs and improve safety oversight and aircraft accident investigation systems across the continent.
