UCAA engages Communities on Garbage management to curb Bird hazards
Moses Sentamu 
From left; Richard Sekyondo the Division B chairperson, Eng Ayub Sooma the director for aviation and airports security plus Vianney Luggya the UCAA manager in charge of public affairs
The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) engaged communities around Entebbe International Airport on proper waste management as one of the sustainable ways to curb bird hazards. The engagement which took place on Thursday June 20, attracted hundreds of residents from Kigungu, Nakiwogo, among other areas in Division B in Entebbe municipality.
Leaders and locals were sensitised of the dangers that come with poor garbage disposal, that attracts lots of birds within and around the airport. Eng. Ayub Sooma, the director for aviation and airports security noted that birds and aircraft do not co-exist.
“Entebbe is a bird sanctuary, which is good for tourism, but also presents challenges for the aviation industry,” Sooma explained. According to the security boss, birds tend to collide with the aircraft which may lead to tremendous damage of the aircraft engines and disastrous accidents. “Therefore, every effort must be put in place to ensure that this does not happen,” added Eng. Sooma.
The engagement with local communities aimed at sensitising them about bird activity and behaviour to avoid poor disposal habits that attract birds in and around the airport environment.
Meanwhile, Vianney Luggya, the UCAA public affairs manager assured that the aviation authority maintains a Bird hazard and wildlife management section which undertakes runway sweeps and other activities to ensure there are no birds in the vicinity of the runway prior to the landing and/or takeoff.
On behalf of the communities, Richard Sekyondo, the chairperson for Division B, lauded UCAA for the engagement with local communities. “Whereas, the concern seems to be primarily about preventing bird hazards, it has on the other hand, also helped to sensitise our communities on garbage sorting, disposal and proper hygiene,” Sekyondo remarked.
“Of recent, we developed a programme named ‘weyonje,’ which is aimed at proper sanitation of our area. I therefore, guarantee our support not only maintaining the passenger’s safety but also keeping our area clean so as to attract more visitors and tourists,” Sekyondo pledged.
Several of the residents who turned up, beemed withsmiles, expressing gratitude for having been granted a chance for an official visit to the airport and UCAA offices. They promised to continue doing all activities and running such programs that ensure co-existence between their community and Entebbe airport.
About The Author
