The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) is making significant strides in expanding and modernizing Entebbe International Airport, aiming to enhance its capacity to handle both passengers and cargo. During a visit by the parliamentary committee on physical infrastructure, UCAA Director General, Fred Bamwesigye, announced that the airport is on track to accommodate 3.4 million passengers per year by July 2024, a significant increase from its current capacity of 2 million passengers.
This ambitious project, which is part of Uganda's efforts to bolster its aviation infrastructure, has been executed in collaboration with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA). The Director General emphasized the completion of several key infrastructural upgrades, including the expansion of the departures area, automation, and modernization of various airport systems, all aimed at enhancing passenger and cargo handling capabilities.
Fred Bamwesigye highlighted the successful collaboration with KOICA, which cost a total of $9.5 million and resulted in the establishment of an Airport Operations Data Base (AODB), a computerized maintenance management system, and a terminal operations control center. The Director General also pointed out the installation of flight information display screens, CCTV systems, and various support components. Additionally, there have been substantial improvements in air traffic management (ATM) procedures, optimizing arrival approaches and departures, as well as en-route procedures.
The Director General emphasized that passenger traffic at Entebbe International Airport has been steadily growing since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. In September 2023 alone, the airport recorded 80,701 arriving passengers and 90,605 departing passengers, totaling 171,306 passengers, averaging around 5,710 passengers per day. The overall number of passengers facilitated from January to September 2023 reached 1,390,495, reflecting an 87% recovery rate compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019.
Furthermore, last month, the airport handled 1,617 imports and 3,313 exports, totaling 4,930 metric tons in cargo, underlining its importance as a key cargo hub in the region.
Bamwesigye also revealed that UCAA is gearing up for the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) Universal Security Audit Programme – Continuous Monitoring Programme (USAP – CMA), scheduled for January 2024. The audit aims to assess the effectiveness of Uganda's security systems in compliance with ICAO's Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs).
In a recent audit conducted by ICAO, Uganda received a score of 72.17% in the Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme – Continuous Monitoring Approach (USOAP-CMA). This score not only reflects an overall improvement in Uganda's safety performance but also positions the country above the regional/Eastern and Southern Africa (ESAF) region average of 55.66% and the global average of 67.68%. This achievement demonstrates Uganda's commitment to aviation safety and compliance with ICAO standards, instilling confidence in the international aviation community.
As Entebbe International Airport undergoes these transformative changes and continues to see growth in passenger and cargo traffic, it is poised to play an increasingly vital role in the region's aviation landscape. The developments are not only a testament to Uganda's commitment to improving its aviation infrastructure but also its dedication to ensuring the safety and efficiency of air travel in the country.
