Regulatory Excellence Key to Africa’s Aviation Growth, Says UCAA Deputy Director General

Entebbe – The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) has concluded a three-day Regulatory Excellence Training at Protea Hotel, Entebbe, with a strong call for regulators across Africa to embrace innovation, strengthen oversight, and champion aviation safety as the industry navigates rapid growth and emerging technologies.

The training, held from 1–3 September 2025, was organised in partnership with Boeing, Cranfield University, and the East African Community Civil Aviation Safety and Security Oversight Agency (EAC-CASSOA). It brought together aviation regulators, operators, and technical experts from across the region for intensive sessions on safety management, crisis preparedness, international regulations, and air operator certification.

In her closing remarks, UCAA Deputy Director General Olive Birungi Lumonya commended the high level of engagement from participants and partners, describing the training as “a milestone in building capacity for regulatory excellence across Africa.”

“Over the past three days, you have shared valuable insights on strengthening regulatory frameworks, advancing safety management practices, enhancing crisis preparedness, and preparing for the opportunities and challenges presented by emerging technologies,” Ms. Lumonya said.

“I encourage all of you to return to your States and institutions not only as regulators but as leaders and champions of safety and security. The growth of aviation in Africa depends on our ability to uphold the highest standards while embracing change,” she added.

The Deputy Director General reaffirmed UCAA’s commitment to working closely with Boeing, Cranfield University, and regional partners on future collaborations to further build capacity and strengthen regulatory systems.

“I am confident that each of you leaves here better equipped to provide oversight that is not only robust and forward-looking but also supportive of innovation and sustainable growth.”

Key Lessons from the Workshop

Summarising the technical sessions, Ronny Barongo, UCAA’s Director of Safety, Security & Economic Regulation, highlighted the evolving role of aviation regulators.

“We learned the importance of balancing enforcement with being enablers and facilitators,” Mr. Barongo said. “Regulators must focus on effective oversight, strategic foresight, and applying safety management systems while encouraging self-reflection within the industry.”

He noted that sessions on risk assessment, accident investigation, change management, and international legal frameworks had equipped participants with tools to anticipate risks, investigate incidents thoroughly, and guide operators through certification processes effectively.

Boeing Commits to Continued Support

Representatives from Boeing praised the collaboration and knowledge sharing during the training. “We at Boeing recognise the enormous potential within the aviation sector, especially in building capacity and advancing safety,” said Harry from Boeing. “Bringing together experts from the U.S., U.K., Africa, and our own Boeing teams allowed for rich exchanges of knowledge to address the unique challenges faced in aviation today.”

His colleague Nancy echoed this, thanking UCAA and partners for the hospitality and collaboration. “Through this training, we learned about resilience, adaptability, and the importance of leveraging each other’s experiences to overcome challenges,” she said. “We look forward to continued partnership and knowledge sharing in the future.”

Participants Praise Training Impact

Speaking on behalf of participants, Paul Lukanga, Ag, Executive Director, CASSOA, commended the facilitators and organisers for delivering a comprehensive and impactful programme.

“Seven out of eight partner states were represented, alongside national airline operators, airport authorities, and air navigation service providers,” he noted. “The dedication from both facilitators and participants was exceptional, with everyone fully engaged throughout the sessions.”

He added that participants looked forward to future training opportunities to further diversify skills and strengthen regulatory capacity across the region.

As the curtains closed on the Regulatory Excellence Training, UCAA emphasised its commitment to enhancing aviation safety, fostering regional collaboration, and preparing Africa’s aviation sector for a future defined by innovation, resilience, and sustainability.

“Let us continue to embody the spirit of excellence — in the way we regulate, in the way we collaborate, and in the way we innovate— because the growth of aviation in Africa depends on our ability to uphold the highest standards while embracing change,” Ms. Lumonya concluded. “Each of you has a responsibility to carry this torch of excellence, ensuring that our skies remain safe, secure, and sustainable as we build a globally competitive aviation sector.”