Three New Air Operators Eye Entry as UCAA Convenes 52nd Board Air-Services Licensing Committee meeting

The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) brought together its Board of Directors and industry stakeholders at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel Kampala for the 52nd meeting of the Board Air Services Licensing Committee.

In his opening remarks, the Acting Director General, Hassan Musinguzi, emphasised the key role the forum plays in shaping the future of Uganda’s aviation industry. He underscored that a transparent process ensures both new applicants and incumbents have an opportunity to present their case. At the same time, members of the public with legitimate grounds can object in writing.

He encouraged operators to embrace modern technology, including satellite-based navigation (Performance Based Navigation / PBN) alongside terrestrial systems, to improve safety, efficiency, and airspace capacity.

The UCAA Board Chair, Steven K. Kavuma, reiterated UCAA’s mandate under the Civil Aviation Authority Act to license all air transport services and to advise the government on aviation development, including negotiating air services agreements.

He revealed that at the time of the meeting, Uganda had concluded bilateral Air Service Agreements with 59 countries, and that 25 licensed air operators were offering a range of services from scheduled and non-scheduled flights to training and aerial works.

He noted that UCAA strongly encourages domestic operators to explore partnerships such as codeshare agreements with Uganda Airlines, to broaden connectivity, stimulate passenger and cargo growth, and fully leverage Uganda’s network of destinations.

At the heart of the hearing, three new applicants for air-services licences were heard:
o Kampala Executive Aviation, seeking to expand into aerial work and both domestic and international scheduled passenger services;

o Flight Training Centre, applying for domestic and international non-scheduled passenger and cargo, training, and aerial-work services;

o Aerojet Aviation Ltd, applying for domestic and international non-scheduled passenger and cargo services.

Kavuma underscored that every new or renewed licence directly impacts Uganda’s domestic and international air traffic, cargo volumes, and ultimately revenue for the country. He also stressed that the upgraded aerodromes and ongoing infrastructure works across the country at Jinja, Soroti, Arua, Gulu, Moroto, Kisoro, and the development of Kabalega International Airport are foundational to the expected growth. Especially as Uganda prepares to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations alongside Kenya and Tanzania.