Shaping Safe Skies: Workshop Charts Path for Modern Aviation Oversight

The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), in collaboration with the East African Community Civil Aviation Safety and Security Oversight Agency (CASSOA), Boeing International, and Cranfield University, has concluded a three-day Regulatory Excellence Workshop at Protea Hotel, Entebbe. The high-level forum, being held from September 1–3, has brought together aviation regulators, industry experts, and international partners to deliberate on strategies for strengthening oversight and ensuring safe, innovative, and sustainable air transport across the region.

Opening the workshop, Mr. Fred K. Bamwesigye, Director General of UCAA, underscored the growing importance of effective regulation in an era defined by technological transformation. He noted that the aviation sector is rapidly evolving, with emerging innovations such as digitalization, drones, cybersecurity measures, electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, and advanced air mobility systems presenting both opportunities and challenges for regulators. 

“The aviation industry is experiencing rapid innovations. These changes require regulators not only to enforce standards but also to safeguard public trust while enabling growth and innovation,” Mr. Bamwesigye stated.

He emphasized that regulators must strike a balance between protection and facilitation, ensuring safety, transparency, and accountability, while at the same time creating an enabling environment for investment, growth, and expanded opportunities. 

A Regional Perspective on Safety and Standards

CASSOA’s Executive Director, Eng. Richard Gatete, welcomed the workshop as a timely and strategic intervention. He stressed the importance of harmonized regulatory practices across the East African region to align with global aviation standards and enhance operational safety.

“Effective regulation is the backbone of safe and sustainable air transport. By working together through regional platforms such as this, we can standardize procedures, anticipate risks, and strengthen the resilience of our aviation systems,” Eng. Gatete remarked.

Over the three days, participants engaged in expert-led discussions, case studies, and scenario-based exercises addressing:

Regulatory strategies for emerging aviation technologies.

Crisis management and resilience in aviation oversight.

Leadership in regulatory change, particularly in fast-paced technological environments.

Strengthening safety management systems (SMS) to enhance operational integrity.

The workshop also highlighted the critical role of collaboration among regulators, airlines, service providers, and international partners in shaping a safer and more competitive aviation sector for Africa.

The forum concluded with a strong call for continued partnerships and investment in regulatory capacity-building to ensure that Africa’s aviation industry keeps pace with global standards while embracing innovation.

By combining technical expertise, shared learning, and harmonized policies, stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to advancing safe, resilient, and globally competitive air transport systems in East Africa and beyond.