UCAA Aviation Week Sets Off Alongside COP29.

In the vicinity of the airport, there are very many stakeholders – it is not only that we are promoting safety within the airport, what happens after the runway becomes crucial to the airport and this is why we come up with workable ways of managing our land use around the airport

Diana KIbuuka November 11, 2024

Diana Kibuuka

Uganda Civil Aviation Authority safety week kicks off, with an eye on a greener airport to improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions.

The aviation week that started 11^th. November and running till 15^th. November, has started at a time when countries are flying in delegates to this year’s 29^th United Nations Cooperate Of Parties (COP29) in Azerbaijan – Baku to continue with the annual Paris Agreement talks on reducing carbon emissions by 2030.

The Director General of Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA ), Fred K Bamwesigye said the Safety week, under the theme ‘Safe Airports, Stronger Together,’ serves as an opportunity for all stakeholders to collectively reflect on the milestones recorded in ensuring safety especially at Entebbe International Airport, while also reaffirming commitment to the cause and how it supports development of the aviation industry.

It is important to note that the industry has made major strides in adoption of innovative safety practices through use of technology and streamlining of procedures.

Amongst the many transitions towards a safer aviation industry, UCAA has developed a new air traffic control systems and procedures have also come with efficiency in landing and take-off. Aircraft can now fly smoothly to the preferred altitude without disruption by the Air Traffic Controller in a bid to separate them from other traffic, and the same applies when an aircraft is descending. This is not only efficient but has reduced the workload for the pilot and Air Traffic Controller. The technology has also reduced on noise, carbon emissions and makes the flight more comfortable for the passenger.

The General Manager, Entebbe International Airport Emmanuel Barungi, noted that communities around the airport are key in aviation safety because many of the aviation challenges greatly rely on the populations around the airport and their activities.

In a bid to involve more stakeholders a safety a Quick Response – Code (QR), has been out in place to emphasize the need for safety reporting and data sharing.

**UCAA Staff while launching the QR Safety – Code**

Other safety week activities which include; panel discussions, quiz, and physical safety engagements by the workers at the airport, will help identify key elements of safety culture that need to be enhanced, discuss regional case studies, and provide a platform for sharing and exchanging lessons learned in overcoming challenges to implementing, maintaining, and fostering a strong safety culture.

Land use around aerodromes.

The Safety Manager Entebbe International Airport Paul Kalemba pointed out five major aviation concerns; Noise sensitivity, Population density, Tall structures, Visual obstructions, and Wildlife, which he said need to be given attention for the safety and development of the aviation industry and its co-existence with the people and other sectors.

In the vicinity of the airport, there are very many stakeholders – it is not only that we are promoting safety within the airport, what happens after the runway becomes crucial to the airport and this is why we come up with workable ways of managing our land use around the airport, Kalemba expounded.

He implored concerned authorities in aviation space areas especially those close to aerodromes, to be conscious on issues like; types of infrastructures, waste management, and other recreation activities like fireworks which visually obstruct flights, threatening lives.

The aviation safety week is running on a slogan of; If you see it, report it, _ If you see it pick it and trash it, all aimed at enhancing safety as a shared responsibility.