Uganda elected to International Aviation Organisation

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Uganda has been elected to the International Aviation Organisation Council during the 42nd Session of the ongoing ICAO assembly in Montreal, Canada.

The Assembly, composed of 192 Member States, elected Uganda to the Council for the term 2025–2028 after a competitive process in which Uganda received 155 votes from 185 states.

The ICAO council is the highest decision-making body of the UN specialised agency, responsible for setting standards and recommended practices that govern the global aviation industry.

The ICAO Assembly is composed of 192 Member States for the period 2025-2028.

Hon. Katumba Wamala (right) congratulates Mr Kabbs Tijuke upon his designation as Uganda's Representative on the ICAO Council, looking on is Amb. Allan Kajik (left), Ag. High Commissioner of Uganda to Canada. (Courtesy)

Minister of Works and Transport Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, who is leading the delegation, said that Uganda’s election on September 30th was an international vote of confidence in Uganda’s aviation sector.

"He described this as an opportunity to learn best practices in the aviation industry, strengthening partnerships. He thanked His Excellency the President, the Government, and the people of Uganda for the support accorded to the aviation industry," reads a release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The 36-member Council is the highest decision-making organ of ICAO, responsible for setting standards and recommended practices governing the global aviation industry. Part III of the Council is reserved for States ensuring Geographic Representation. All elected States will form the Council for a three-year term.

The new Council comprises:

PART I - States of chief importance in air transport:  Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

PART II - States which make the largest contribution to the provision of facilities for international civil air navigation: Argentina, Colombia, Denmark, Egypt, India, Mexico, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, and Switzerland.

PART III - States ensuring geographic representation:  Uganda, Angola, Belize, Cuba, Ecuador, Equatorial Guinea, Malaysia, Mali, Morocco, Poland, Qatar, the Republic of Korea, the United Arab Emirates, and Uruguay.

The Kampala delegation to Montreal includes Ambassador Allan Kajik, Acting High Commissioner, Uganda High Commission, Ottawa, Mr Fred Bamwesigye, the Director General of Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), plus senior officials from UCAA, Ministry of Works, and UCCA.

Mr Kabbs Tijuke, who has been the UCAA representative to ICAO since May 2018, will represent Uganda at the Council.

What is ICAO:

According to the official website, the International Civil Aviation Organisation is a United Nations agency which helps 193 countries to cooperate and share their skies to their mutual benefit.

Since it was established in 1944, ICAO’s support and coordination have helped countries to establish and enforce global standards and practices for international aviation, ensuring safety, security, efficiency, and sustainability.

ICAO provides a forum for cooperation, develops global policies, conducts compliance audits, offers technical assistance, and promotes capacity building.