Uganda Reaffirms Commitment to Safety as Regional Aviation Bodies Meet in Kampala

The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority has reaffirmed its commitment to safety as one of the ways to propel the aviation industry to greater heights.

Speaking during the opening ceremony of the three-day Regional Safety Oversight Organisation (RSOO) Study Validation Workshop at Speke Resort Hotel in Munyonyo in Kampala, UCAA Director General, Fred Bamwesigye said Uganda believes in regional cooperation to move the aviation sector forward.

“ We believe that through unified action, shared responsibility, and continued engagement with ICAO, partner organisations and other States, we can further enhance our “

This validation workshop is a key milestone in ensuring that the proposed frameworks, approaches, and institutional arrangements for our RSOOs are both practical and responsive to our needs as AFI(Africa and Indian Ocean) States. collective capacity to uphold the highest standards of aviation safety,” Bamwesigye said.

He applauded the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), European Union Aviation Safety Agency and the Civil Aviation Safety and Security Oversight Agency for efforts in advancing aviation safety across the region.

“As many of you are aware, the role of Regional Safety Oversight Organisations (RSOOs) has become increasingly vital in supporting states to meet their obligations under the Chicago Convention, particularly in the implementation of effective safety oversight systems. Given the diversity of capacities and resources across States, RSOOs offer a structured and cooperative platform for shared expertise, best practices, harmonized oversight processes, and mutual assistance,” the UCAA Director General said.

The ICAO deputy regional director in charge of Eastern and Southern African Regional Office Arthemon Ndikumana said aviation safety remains one of the ICAO’s highest strategic priorities.

“It is only through strong cooperation and meaningful engagement, as we are doing here today, that we can collaboratively advance our common goal of ensuring a safe, secure, and efficient global aviation system,” Ndikumana said.

He said Regional Safety Oversight Organisations (RSOOs) continue to play a key role in this endeavour.

“By harmonising safety oversight efforts at the regional level, RSOOs support the implementation of ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) in accordance with the Global Aviation Safety Plan (GASP) and the Regional Aviation Safety frameworks. In this regard, ICAO Regional Offices and RSOOs are natural and complementary partners in building state capacity and strengthening oversight systems across the continent.”

He reaffirmed ICAO’s commitment to work closely with all partners to support and coordinate efforts to strengthen RSOOs/ RAIOs and improve safety oversight and aircraft accident investigation systems across the continent.

The three-day workshop will see regional aviation bodies share safety oversight responsibilities, exchange best practices, and pool resources to enhance regional cooperation and recognition within the ICAO framework.

The three-day workshop at Munyonyo will see regional aviation bodies share safety oversight responsibilities, exchange best practices, and pool resources to enhance regional cooperation and recognition within the ICAO framework.