Uganda champions regional aviation harmonisation at EAC meeting

Uganda is reinforcing its leadership in East African aviation by hosting the 48th East African Consultative Meeting on Facilitation of Air Transport (EAC-FAL) at Speke Resort Munyonyo from 26th to 28th November 2025.

In his opening remarks, Minister of Works and Transport Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala highlighted Uganda’s commitment to regional cooperation, streamlined passenger facilitation, and enhanced air transport efficiency. He emphasised the importance of harmonised standards across the East African Community (EAC) to support seamless movement of passengers, cargo, and aircraft, which is critical for boosting regional trade, tourism, and connectivity.

The Minister welcomed delegates from the EAC, the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), the Civil Aviation Safety and Security Oversight Agency (CASSOA), the African Union Commission, and other partner agencies. He also highlighted Uganda’s growing aviation profile, noting that Entebbe International Airport handled over 243,000 international passengers in August 2025 alone, while Uganda Airlines has expanded its network to 17 destinations.

Deputy Director General of the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), Olive B. Lumonya, speaking on behalf of the Director General, underscored the importance of harmonising facilitation procedures in line with ICAO’s Annex 9 on Facilitation. She said that aligned procedures are key to providing a seamless, efficient, and safe experience for passengers, airlines, and cargo operators across the region.

Ms. Lumonya also commended the inspection of Entebbe International Airport conducted by delegates earlier in the week, noting that the feedback collected through such engagements is essential for continuous improvement and maintaining international standards.

Delegates are expected to focus on several key areas, including:

• Reviewing progress in implementing ICAO standards
• Strengthening regional cooperation on air transport facilitation
• Enhancing efficiency in aircraft, passenger, and cargo processing
• Supporting tourism, trade, and connectivity across East Africa

Uganda’s continued investments in aviation infrastructure, including the expansion of the passenger terminal at Entebbe International Airport, rehabilitation of key runways, and development of Hoima International Airport, demonstrate the country’s commitment to safe, efficient, and globally competitive air transport. Officials say meetings like EAC-FAL are crucial for ensuring harmonisation across the region, reinforcing Uganda’s vision of integrated and seamless aviation services in East Africa.