Uganda Leads the Way in Air Traffic Safety Engineering and Innovation
Uganda has proudly welcomed aviation safety experts from across Africa and beyond to the 15th International Federation of Air Traffic Safety Electronics Personnel (IFATSEA) Africa Regional Meeting, taking place at Speke Resort Munyonyo. The event was officially opened on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, with remarks delivered by Eng. Sooma Ayub, Director of Airports and Aviation Security at the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), on behalf of the Director General, Mr. Fred K. Bamwesigye.
In his address, Eng. Sooma warmly welcomed all delegates and emphasized the honor it was for Uganda to host such a respected gathering of aviation safety engineers. He praised the meeting’s theme—“Digital Transformation in CNS/ATM: Strengthening ATSEP Competencies for a Safer and Sustainable Future”—as being both timely and directly in line with UCAA’s strategic goals.
Eng. Sooma stressed the vital role that engineers play in keeping air travel safe. These professionals work behind the scenes to ensure that communication, navigation, and surveillance systems operate smoothly and reliably. As the aviation world rapidly embraces digital technologies, UCAA is making sure that its workforce is ready to keep up.
To prepare for the future, UCAA has invested heavily in training, skill development, and exposure to new technologies for its engineers. The Authority is not just using new technology—it is building its own. Eng. Sooma proudly highlighted several homegrown systems developed by UCAA’s internal Research & Development teams, including a Balanced Scorecard Strategy system, an Aeronautical Billing System, and a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS). These innovations prove that African engineers have the talent and creativity to solve complex aviation challenges.
Another important focus for UCAA is sustainability. As part of its long-term goals, UCAA is working to increase non-aeronautical revenue, which helps keep operations running smoothly while maintaining safety and service quality.
Eng. Sooma also pointed to the progress Uganda has made in modernizing air navigation. Instead of relying only on ground-based navigation systems, Uganda now uses satellite-based systems to guide aircraft. This transition supports Performance-Based Navigation (PBN), which improves flight safety and efficiency. Additionally, the country has introduced Direct Routing, allowing planes to fly more direct paths, saving fuel and cutting emissions. Uganda has also adopted Continuous Climb and Descent Operations, which reduce pilot workload, lower noise, and enhance passenger comfort.
Throughout his remarks, Eng. Sooma encouraged delegates to take time to visit the exhibition booths showcasing innovations by UCAA engineers. These displays reflect the power of African problem-solving—smart, practical, and future-focused.
As the regional meeting continues, participants are expected to share ideas, form partnerships, and explore new ways to make African aviation even safer and more sustainable. Eng. Sooma closed by thanking IFATSEA, UGATSEA, and all organizers for making the event possible and wished all attendees a meaningful stay in Uganda.
