The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) will modify its new master plan to provide for prayer places, the head of the aviation industry’s regulatory body has confirmed.
The Managing Director of CAA, Dr. Rama Makuza made the assurance while receiving complaints from catholic employees of CAA who pointed out that the organisation’s new master lacked space for prayer.
Specioza Khaitsa, one of the employees of the aviation regulatory body said: “Entebbe International Airport accommodates people from different religions including passengers. When time for prayers come, you see people looking for areas where they can pray from. We appeal to CAA to consider this in its master plan,” said
In response, Dr. Makuza said: “We didn’t include this in the master plan but we are going have worship places of all religions at the airport.”
The matter arose last week during a visit by His Eminence Cardinal Emmanuel Wamala to the Catholic community of Entebbe International Airport as part of his pastoral work and most especially preparing the faithful for the Papal visit.
During the visit, the Cardinal celebrated mass, blessed the ongoing construction projects in preparation for the Pope’s visit at the Airport.
“The formation of the Airport Catholic Association is a most welcome idea that will help bring together members of the Catholic community in prayers on a regular basis. It is also timely as we prepare to host Pope Francis in Uganda later this year. As you all know, Entebbe International Airport is the first point through which the Pontiff will interface with Ugandans. It is therefore vital that personnel at the airport are geared up towards giving him a rousing welcome for a first taste of Ugandan hospitality,” said Makuza.
He added: “The Airport certainly needs prayers, especially during this time as we plan to undertake a number of infrastructural upgrades as part of a 20- year National Civil Aviation Master Plan, which will entail construction of a new cargo terminal, new passenger terminal, expansion of Entebbe International Airport, improvements on runways, apron and associated facilities among others.
Several upcountry airports are also due for upgrade to international status as part of the Master Plan.”
He also disclosed that even Muslims have been asking for a special prayer place and they are considering it as well.
Delivering his speech to the congregation, Cardinal Wamala advised CAA to always cater for the well-being of travelers.
“Many bad and good things happen at the airport but CAA with guidance from God can help to execute them,” he said.
