Civil Aviation Authority changes name

KAMPALA - A new law that came in effect recently has paved way for a number of changes at the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).



According Vianney Luggya, the Authority's manager of public affairs, the changes come after President Yoweri Museveni assented to the CAA (amendment) Act 2019. 

Luggya said the changes were aimed at ensuring the harmonization of the Uganda's regulations and practices with universal practices across the globe.  

CAA is primed for a more enhanced role following the resumption of operations by Uganda Airlines.  The airline is set to start commercial flights at the end of August.

Among the changes is the change of name of Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). According to Luggya, CAA will now operate under the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) name. 

Others include changes in titles of management staff. The Managing Director, who has been the head of entity, now becomes Director General. The same applies to the title of the deputy Managing Director, whose title has changed to deputy Director General.

Luggya said the new law also gives the entity more powers, especially in regard to supervising private players in the aviation industry.

For example, the law grants unrestricted access to body's inspectors to inspect aerodromes, air operator premises and aircraft in Uganda without prior notice. It also allows the body to slap on-spot penalties on non-compliant players to enhance safety and efficiency in the industry.

"Under the old Act, CAA inspectors had to first seek permission from air operators and aerodrome operators to visit premises for routine inspections, which often compromised Uganda's scores in relation to aviation legislation in previous international civil aviation organisation (ICAO) audits," Luggya noted.

Formed under act of parliament in 1994, CAA is the government agency responsible for licensing, monitoring, and regulating civil aviation matters.

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