UCAA Inaugurates State safety program coordination group to enhance aviation safety

The management of Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) on March 12,2025 inaugurated the National state safety program coordination group (SSP), which brings together  key players in the aviation sector. The state Minister for works and Transport, Hon. Fred Byamukama , noted  that the state safety program coordination group signifies a significant milestone towards the authority’s journey in enhancing aviation safety oversight and compliance . He however, emphasized that aviation safety is not only a requirement but a fundamental commitment in developing the aviation sector and the whole economy. 

In his remarks while inaugurating  the State safety program coordination group , Minister Byamukama, noted that the establishment of safety aviation coordination group signifies  Uganda’s commitment to implementing structures and a proactive approach that meets both national and international standards.

“In today’s world where risks and challenges in safety management continue to evolve , collaborative systematic approach is very important than before. 

“This group will serve as the central pillar in ensuring safety policies , risk assessment and risk framework are not only developed but effectively implemented across all relevant sectors, ” said Minister Byamukama.

“The group will enhance safety governance to ensure regulatory compliance fosters safety culture. It would also facilitate coordination and collaboration by bringing together government policies and safety professionals .

“The group will also play a crucial role in ensuring the aviation sector is not only for one entity but a shared responsibility among all stakeholders, ” Minister Byabakama expressed optimism.’

The chairperson Board of Directors at Uganda Civil Aviation Authority, Justice Steven Kavuma, is optimistic that by working together through the state safety program coordination group, this would help to build a robust safety management framework that not only meets International Civil Aviation Organization requirements but also ensures a more efficient aviation sector.

“The mandate to have the coordination group emanates from the directive of the Minister of works to the Director General Uganda Civil Aviation Authority to constitute a multi stakeholders’ team to oversee effective implementation , coordination and continuous improvement of the state safety program and will serve as the cornerstone in ensuring aviation safety that aligns with international priorities .

“The authority through its safety management functions will provide a framework and enforcement mechanisms to ensure that safety remains at the forefront of all aviation corporations . The safety program coordination group has been established to ensure effective governance , coordination , monitoring of safety performance in the airspace . 

‘Across all sectors of aviation , the group will facilitate sister agencies to oversee the implementation of state safety , risk management processes on top of advising the minister and the authority on policy matters related to safety aviation management in due compliance with international civil aviation Organization annex 19 thereby enhancing safety culture within the aviation industry through promotion of safety awareness, training on proactive risk management practices among others.’

Justice Steven Kavuma, noted that the safety coordination group will depend on active participation, commitment and collaboration among all the stakeholders. He urged the group members to approach the task with seriousness to ensure the aviation sector remains safe, effective and globally compliant .

The chairperson of the National state safety program coordination group as well as the Director General of Uganda Civil Aviation Authority, Fred Bamwesigye, revealed that it was agreed upon at the global level to form a safety coordination group in order to carry out aviation safety in a coordinated manner . He called upon all stakeholders in the aviation industry to participate in the full  implementation of the state safety program.

“This safety program is a commitment in compliance with international standards . Without unified efforts , the authority can’t do what is required of it.  So, the participation of all stakeholders is required . 

“UCAA is mandated to coordinate the safety aviation activities to ensure there is compliance with international standards while working closely with government agencies , and stakeholders to enhance safety performance. The journey  has started and there are no other delays any more” Mr. Bamwesigye explained.

He added:” At the obiging stage of International Civil Aviation Organization , we are obliged to implement this safety program which is structured and risk based in approach for aviation safety management at international level . Accordingly, each member state must establish a safety coordination group which we have just done to implement a national safety oversight framework that stipulates safety processes , risk management , safety assurance and promotion to foster a performance based approach for aviation safety , proactive and realistic safety management. This is every day work and we should not wait for calamities to occur and then we begin to act, ” Mr. Bamwesigye warned stakeholders.

Mr.Bamwesigye further emphasized that the safety implementation program must be guided by a global regional aviation safety strategy that is aligned with international priorities . He reminded all stakeholders that aviation safety is not for one sector but it involves all stakeholders.