The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) hosted its third edition of the annual Iftar dinner, on Friday, 6th March at the UCAA Head Office to mark the holy month of Ramadan.
The event brought together Muslim staff and esteemed stakeholders in a spirit of unity, reflection, and gratitude hence serving as a platform to celebrate the values of discipline, integrity, and community service that the season embodies.
In his remarks, the Director General of UCAA, Fred K. Bamwesigye emphasized the importance of unity, discipline, empathy, and service to others — values that Ramadan inspires and which are equally essential in the aviation sector.
He also explained the current situation in the Middle East, where some airline operations between Entebbe and affected destinations have been disrupted since Saturday, 28th February, 2026.
“On that day, several flights to Dubai, Sharjah, and Doha were unable to take off from Entebbe or land at their destinations. This particularly affected operators of direct flights from Entebbe to these cities, including Qatar Airways, Emirates, Flydubai, Air Arabia, and Uganda Airlines,” he said.
He however noted some airports in the affected areas have announced a phased resumption of operations, saying, “Air Arabia has since resumed flights to Sharjah, Flydubai also resumed its morning operations to Dubai yesterday and operated another flight this morning, currently maintaining the morning schedule while the evening service is yet to resume.”
He added that Flynas to Riyadh, the other Middle East-bound operator has managed to maintain operations during this period while Qatar Airways to Doha, Emirates, and Uganda Airlines are among the carriers yet to resume their Dubai flights and therefore encouraged passengers to keep in close touch with the airlines for any updates.
Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa, the first deputy supreme mufti of Uganda lauded UCAA for always celebrating with the Muslim community especially in the month of Ramadan.
“We thank you for inviting us to share with you this meal, and we pray that the Almighty God will continue to provide us with strength in our relationships and bond so that we behave as a single humanity of God,” he said.
The UCAA’s Director Human Resource and Administration, Sabah Ahmed Kakooza encouraged the Muslim community to take time and pray during these times so that the Iran-Israel war comes to an end.
“We all know what is happening, so let us utilise these last 10 days of Ramadan and pray for our dear world because what is happening will have an effect on all of us. Please let us endeavour to pray, unite, reflect and have good character,” she said.
The Iftar gathering continues a cherished tradition of bringing together the aviation fraternity to reflect annually, strengthen bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood, and celebrate the diversity that enriches the Authority.
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