UCAA Boss Fred Bamwesigye Highlights Key Milestones, 2026 Plans at Stakeholder Engagement Breakfast

The Director General of the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), Mr. Fred Bamwesigye, has reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to strengthening Uganda’s aviation sector through infrastructure expansion, regulatory reforms, and closer collaboration with industry players.

Speaking during a stakeholder engagement breakfast held this morning, Bamwesigye said the meeting was intended to take stock of the milestones achieved over the year, share UCAA’s forward-looking plans for 2026, and receive candid feedback from aviation stakeholders to guide continuous improvement.

“This engagement is part of our deliberate effort to keep industry players informed, aligned, and involved in the transformation of Uganda’s aviation sector,” Bamwesigye said. “Your feedback is critical as we pursue operational excellence, safety, and efficiency.”

New Passenger Terminal to Open in January 2026

A major highlight of Bamwesigye’s remarks was the progress on the newly completed Passenger Terminal Building at Entebbe International Airport, which he confirmed will be opened to the public in a phased manner starting January 2026.

The state-of-the-art terminal significantly enhances passenger handling capacity and service delivery. It features:

Three additional aerobridges, improving boarding efficiency and passenger comfort

24 new conventional check-in counters, easing congestion during peak travel hours

14 self-check-in counters, supporting automation and faster passenger processing

Bamwesigye noted that the phased opening approach will allow UCAA to test systems, fine-tune operations, and ensure a smooth transition without disrupting airport services.

“This terminal is a game-changer for Entebbe International Airport. It reflects our commitment to modern aviation standards, improved passenger experience, and readiness for future traffic growth,” he said.

Progress on Institutional Separation Reforms

The Director General also updated stakeholders on the ongoing institutional reforms within UCAA, particularly the separation of regulatory functions and air navigation services from airport management.

According to Bamwesigye, the reform process has now advanced to the roadmap stage, marking a critical step toward aligning Uganda’s aviation governance with international best practices.

“The separation of roles is aimed at improving efficiency, transparency, and accountability across the sector,” he explained. “With a clear roadmap now in place, we are steadily progressing toward a more specialized and effective aviation ecosystem.”

He emphasized that the reforms will enhance safety oversight, strengthen service delivery, and support Uganda’s ambition to become a competitive aviation hub in the region.

Collaboration and Continuous Improvement

Bamwesigye commended airlines, ground handlers, aviation service providers, and other stakeholders for their partnership and resilience, especially amid a rapidly evolving global aviation environment.

He assured participants that UCAA remains open to dialogue and committed to addressing operational challenges raised by industry players. 

“Our success as a sector depends on collaboration. We value your insights and will continue working together to build a safe, efficient, and customer-focused aviation industry,” Bamwesigye said.

The stakeholder engagement breakfast concluded with interactive discussions, during which participants provided feedback on infrastructure, service delivery, regulatory processes, and future opportunities for growth.

As Uganda positions itself for increased air traffic and regional connectivity, Bamwesigye’s remarks underscored UCAA’s strategic focus on modern infrastructure, institutional reform, and stakeholder engagement as pillars of sustainable aviation development.