The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) on Thursday, 20th August, hosted Members of Parliament from the Public Accounts Committee – Committee of Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (PAC-COSASE) to tour facilities at Entebbe International Airport and review the Authority’s performance.
The Committee, led by Hon. Muwada Nkunyingi, was taken through the departure and arrival facilities at the main terminal, the new terminal building extension, cargo centre, electrical centre, fire station, and business class lounge, among others.
“Uganda Secures Seat on ICAO Council”
Acting Director General, Olive Birungi Lumonya briefed the MPs on key milestones, noting that Uganda had secured a seat on the International Civil Aviation Organisation Council for the period 2025-2028.
“Which is a significant achievement and recognition of Uganda’s contribution to international civil aviation,” Lumonya said.
She added that UCAA had also developed a 15-year Air Navigation Plan 2025-2040 to guide the growth of the sector.
Passenger Numbers Hit 2.48 Million in 2025
Lumonya reported strong recovery and growth in the aviation subsector despite global disruptions, including Middle East airspace disruptions.
“For instance, Entebbe International Airport recorded 2.48 million international passengers in 2025, compared to 2.24 million in 2024, representing growth of approximately 11 per cent,” she said.
The growth, she explained, was driven by increased airline connectivity, tourism, and the introduction of new routes and operators. Uganda has also concluded 64 Bilateral Air Service Agreements with other countries.
On safety and security, Lumonya said Uganda attained an effective implementation score of 72.64% in the ICAO Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme in September 2023. This was above the regional average of 55% and the global average of 69.4%.
“In relation to security, Uganda scored 81.6% in the Universal Security Audit Programme audit of January–February 2024, above averages of 64.5% regional and 72.36% global. No significant safety or security concern was raised in either audit.”
New Investments at Entebbe Airport
To enhance safety, Lumonya said UCAA recently acquired three new state-of-the-art fire trucks to maintain Category 9 fire cover at Entebbe International Airport.
She also announced the completion of the revamped Karibuni Lounge, which has been relocated to the second floor of the passenger terminal building to create more space for passenger lounges on the first floor.
MPs Commend Progress
The PAC-COSASE members appreciated the facilities and progress made on the ground. As an accountability committee, they pledged to continue engaging the Authority for further clarifications on operations and service delivery.
The tour is part of Parliament’s oversight role to ensure statutory authorities deliver efficiently and remain accountable to the public.
