Uganda has been awarded the ICAO Council President’s Certificate in Aviation Security 2019. Uganda’s minister of state for works Aggrey Bagiire received the award from Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu, the President of the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
The award was made in recognition of Uganda’s outstanding efforts in resolving aviation security deficiencies. This followed an outstanding performance by Uganda in the Universal Security Audit Programme – Continuous Monitoring Approach (USAP – CMA) conducted by ICAO in 2017.
Uganda’s recognition was for an excellent score of 81.8% in the USAP – CMA Audit, which was well above the global average of 73% and also well above the African and Indian Ocean (AFI) States average of 58%.
Minister Bagiire re-assured the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) General Assembly of the commitment by Government of Uganda to ensure safety and security in the aviation sector.
While addressing the 40th Session of the ICAO General Assembly in Montreal, Canada on Saturday, September 28, 2019, the Minister specifically highlighted the recent revival of Uganda Airlines, liberalization of the air transport industry, and expansion and modernization of Entebbe International Airport as some of the country’s major initiatives in the aviation sector.
The minister used the event to promote Uganda by inviting delegates to explore Uganda’s beautiful scenery and wildlife such as gorillas.
“If any of you is planning a family vacation in perfect harmony with nature, the pearl of Africa is the best choice,” he stated.
In the meantime, during an interaction between the Minister and the ICAO Secretary General, Dr. Fang Liu, praised Uganda Government’s commitment to improving the aviation sector in Uganda. She advised the government to “strategically prioritize Aviation as an investment vehicle”.
The Minister re-affirmed government’s commitment to the Aviation sector adding that Uganda has a 20-year National Civil Aviation Master Plan, has revived Uganda Airlines, is expanding the Entebbe International airport and is focusing on expanding the regional airports.
He added that “ the tourism industry is key to the development of Uganda and some of the tourism sites have been rated among the best on the World map”.
Bagiire was accompanied by to Canada by Members of Parliament, some Members of the Board of Directors and Management of UCAA, plus Ministry of Works and Transport officials. He explianed that the composition of the delegation was deliberate to ensure that all stakeholders appreciate the role of ICAO and support the Aviation industry.
