UCAA Chief Fred Bamwesigye Urges Unity and Calm as Middle East Flight Services Gradually Resume During Ramadan
Speaking during the gathering, UCAA Director General, Mr. Fred K. Bamwesigye, underscored the enduring values of Ramadan — unity, discipline, empathy, and service to others — noting that these principles are equally vital in the aviation sector.
The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) management and staff on Friday evening hosted members of the Muslim community and aviation stakeholders for a special Iftar dinner at the Authority’s Head Office, marking the holy month of Ramadan in a spirit of reflection, solidarity, and shared purpose.
Speaking during the gathering, UCAA Director General, Mr. Fred K. Bamwesigye, underscored the enduring values of Ramadan — unity, discipline, empathy, and service to others — noting that these principles are equally vital in the aviation sector.
He emphasized that aviation, like faith, demands strict adherence to discipline, coordination, and responsibility. According to Bamwesigye, the industry thrives on teamwork and mutual trust among regulators, operators, service providers, and passengers, making unity not just a virtue but a necessity.
Aviation Disruptions Linked to Middle East Situation
In his address, Bamwesigye also provided an update on the recent operational disruptions affecting flights between Entebbe and several destinations in the Middle East.
He revealed that since Saturday, February 28, 2026, airline operations to cities including Dubai, Sharjah, and Doha experienced interruptions, with several flights unable to either depart from Entebbe International Airport or land at their scheduled destinations.
The disruptions affected operators running direct services from Entebbe, among them Qatar Airways, Emirates, Flydubai, Air Arabia, and Uganda Airlines.
Bamwesigye noted that as airports in the affected areas gradually announce phased resumptions of operations, some carriers have begun restoring services.
Air Arabia has since resumed flights to Sharjah, while Flydubai has reinstated its morning operations to Dubai and continues to operate the morning schedule, although its evening service remains suspended.
He further indicated that Flynas to Riyadh is among the few Middle East-bound operators that managed to maintain operations throughout the period of disruption.
However, Qatar Airways to Doha, Emirates, and Uganda Airlines are yet to resume their Dubai-bound services.
The Director General urged passengers to remain in close contact with their respective airlines for timely updates regarding flight schedules, changes, or rebookings.
Strengthening Bonds Through Faith and Fellowship
Beyond operational updates, Bamwesigye highlighted the significance of the annual Iftar gathering as a cherished tradition within the aviation fraternity. The event, he said, serves as a platform to strengthen bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood, promote interfaith harmony, and celebrate the diversity that enriches the Authority and the wider aviation community.
He commended the Muslim community for its contribution to national development and the aviation sector, emphasizing that the values observed during Ramadan resonate with the Authority’s commitment to safety, service excellence, and public trust.
The evening concluded with prayers and shared reflections, reinforcing the spirit of compassion and unity during the sacred month.
As the holy month continues, the Authority extended warm wishes of “Ramadan Kareem” to the entire Muslim community, reaffirming its commitment to inclusivity and collective responsibility in service to the nation.
