UCAA procures Firetrucks to enhance Safety at Entebbe Airport

The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), has secured two modern firetrucks in addition to the existing models, to beef up safety at Entebbe International Airport, following recommendations by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

The two sh.10.5bn firetrucks were procured from National Fire Fighting Manufacturing Organisation (NAFFCO), that was also tasked to train personnel and ensure maintenance of the trucks for a period of three years.

While commissioning the trucks, the Minister for works and transport Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala said the new equipment comes at such a time when Entebbe Entebbe is poised to become the best airport beyond the East African Region.

“What ever you see being done here is aimed at improving customer care safety and comfort. The acquisition of these trucks is actually going to go a long way to ensure that Entebbe International Airport maintains and surpasses the international fire category nine,” explained Gen. Katumba who was flanked by the state minister for transport Fred Byamukama.

The minimum operating fire category nine at Entebbe International Airport, requires a load of 24,300litres on wheel in case of any fire responses. The new firefighting trucks have a capacity of 23,000litres and in addition to the old trucks, the capacity already stands at more than the required.

The UCAA Director General Mr. Fred K Bamwesigye said, the authority will continue embracing better technological equipment alongside staff capacity building to meet the required safety, security and response times in addition to the standard recommended practices as always guided by ICAO.

Eng. Ayub Sooma, the director for Airports safety and security also revealed that UCAA previously acquired new fire-fighting boats and other equipment. “We have also been regularly training and equipping staff with skills in water fire-fighting and rescue missions,” Sooma noted.

He further stated that the overall upgrade and expansion of Entebbe airport currently stands at 94% with the pending works on the new terminal building standing at 74% and expected to be complete by December 2024. The two ministers for transport, inspected the ongoing expansion works at Entebbe airport.

Bamwesigye, the UCAA boss pledged to continue investing in research, equipment and staff training in order to meet with the required safety, security, response timelines and standard recommended practices as stipulated by ICAO.

Increased cargo and Passenger numbers

Vianney Luggya, the UCAA Public relations manager noted that in September 2024, Entebbe airport recorded a total of 188,710 passengers, of which 100,350 were arriving and 88,360 departing passengers, bringing to an average of 6,290 passengers per day compared to the 5,710 passengers per day recorded in the same month of September 2023.

The Cargo recorded a total of 5,739 metric tonnes in September 2024, where 3,701 metric tonnes were exports and 2,038 metric tonnes were imports. He underscored the importance of Air transport as being a key driver for social-economic development which also influences other sectors such as tourism, agriculture, oil and gas among others

Entebbe International Airport currently harbors more than 20 airline companies, including the National Carrier, Uganda Airlines and serves flights to and from 20 destinations.

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Diana KIbuuka

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