Uganda hosts 15th Africa air safety meeting

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Uganda, through the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) and the Uganda Air Transport Safety Engineering Association (UGATSEA), is hosting the 15th International Federation of Air Traffic Safety Electronics Associations (IFATSEA) Africa Regional Meeting.

The conference began on Tuesday, June 17, and will continue until June 19, 2025, at the Speke Resort Convention Centre in Munyonyo. Over 100 delegates are attending the conference, including IFATSEA President Eng. Frank Kofi.

Held under the theme, “Digital Transformation in Communication, Navigation, and Surveillance (CNS)/Air Traffic Management (ATM): Strengthening Air Traffic Safety Electronics Personnel (ATSEP) Competencies for a Safer and Sustainable Future,” the three-day event has attracted air navigation safety engineering professionals from across Africa.

Justice Steven Kavuma, Chairman of the UCAA Board of Directors, delivering remarks on behalf of the Minister of Works and Transport at Speke Resort Munyonyo on Tuesday. (Courtesy photo)

The participants aim to strengthen collaboration, drive innovation, and build competencies necessary for safer skies on the continent.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Isaac Kamugo, President of UGATSEA, emphasised that the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, automation, and digital systems are significantly reshaping the aviation sector.

He noted that Air Traffic Safety Electronics Personnel (ATSEPs) must lead the charge in adapting to these changes through innovation and continuous skill development.

“This conference provides a valuable platform to engage with these emerging trends,” Kamugo said, while thanking the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority and other sponsors for their strong support. He also encouraged the delegates to explore Uganda’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty during their stay.

Representing the UCAA Director General, the Director of Airports and Aviation Security, Eng. Ayub Sooma highlighted the Authority’s commitment to developing homegrown aviation solutions.

He cited successful innovations by UCAA’s engineering teams, including the Aeronautical Billing System, the Computerised Maintenance Management System (CMMS), and the Balanced Scorecard Strategy Tool. These developments, he said, demonstrate Uganda’s growing capacity to contribute to sustainable aviation technologies.

Eng. Sooma also pointed out that Uganda has made significant progress in adopting modern Air Navigation technologies aligned with global best practices. These include satellite-based navigation under the Performance-Based Navigation (PBN) framework, Direct Routing for reduced flight times and emissions, as well as Continuous Climb and Descent Operations that improve fuel efficiency and passenger comfort.

Justice Steven Kavuma, Chairman of the UCAA Board of Directors, delivering remarks on behalf of the Minister of Works and Transport, highlighted the need for regional cooperation to strengthen Africa’s position in global aviation.