Stakeholders convene for National Air Transport Facilitation Committee meeting at Entebbe International Airport

Entebbe— The Ministry of Works and Transport (MoWT), in partnership with the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), convened the National Air Transport Facilitation Committee (NATFC) meeting at Entebbe International Airport, bringing together key players in Uganda’s aviation and transport ecosystem.

The meeting was attended by representatives from airlines, ground handling companies, the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control, Uganda Revenue Authority, security agencies, and several ministries, including Tourism, Health, Trade, Defence, and Agriculture, among others.

The session was officially opened by Mr. Winstone Katushabe, the Commissioner for Transport Regulation and Safety, who represented the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works and Transport, the Chairperson of the Committee.

In his remarks, Mr. Katushabe commended members for their active participation and reaffirmed the importance of the Committee as a vital platform for collaboration, cooperation, and information sharing among stakeholders.

“The National Air Transport Facilitation Committee plays a central role in ensuring the seamless movement of aircraft, passengers, cargo, and mail. Effective coordination among all actors is key to delivering a safe, efficient, and passenger-friendly aviation experience,” Mr. Katushabe emphasized.

He further noted that the Committee’s work is guided by the Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) contained in Annex 9 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation, highlighting that compliance is not merely a regulatory requirement but a critical component in enhancing traveler experience and maintaining safety and security in air transport.

During the meeting, participants received updates and made presentations on several key areas, including:

• Amendments to the National Air Transport Facilitation Programme;
• A brief on the EAC-CASSOA Collaborative Arrangement for the Prevention and Management of Public Health Events in Civil Aviation (CAPSCA) State Visit;
• Status of implementation of recommendations from the 47th East African Consultative Meeting on Air Transport Facilitation; and
• Preparations for the upcoming 48th EAC Consultative Meeting on the Facilitation of Air Transport, scheduled to take place in Uganda from November 26–28, 2025.

The meeting also reviewed findings from recent inspections at Entebbe International Airport, aimed at assessing operational efficiency, safety, and facilitation standards.

Participants reiterated their collective commitment to improving coordination across institutions and strengthening Uganda’s compliance with international aviation facilitation standards.

The National Air Transport Facilitation Committee continues to serve as a cornerstone in advancing Uganda’s position as a regional aviation hub, promoting safe, secure, and efficient air transport operations in line with global best practices.