The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority conducted a wildlife hazard management sensitisation engagement with the Buwaya fishing community at St. Luke Church, Ssazi, as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen aviation safety around Entebbe International Airport.
This initiative aimed to raise awareness about wildlife risks and promote community involvement in mitigating potential hazards.
Speaking on behalf of the Director of Airports & Aviation Security, Eng. Sooma Ayub, the Principal Public Affairs Officer, Kenneth Otim, emphasized that aviation safety extends beyond airport boundaries and into surrounding communities.
He highlighted the critical role of responsible waste management and farming practices within a 13-kilometre radius of the airport, noting that such activities can inadvertently attract birds into aircraft flight paths.
Esther Bigirwa, from Air Traffic Management, shared the experiences Air Traffic Controllers have when faced with bird strikes.
A comprehensive technical presentation was delivered by Gloria Bitebekezi, who detailed UCAA’s robust four-way approach to wildlife hazard management:
- Community engagement: Fostering collaboration and awareness among local residents to discourage attractants such as poor waste handling.
- Habitat management: Modifying environments to deter wildlife presence.
- Dispersal strategies: Clearing wildlife from the airport movement areas.
- Continuous research: To understand wildlife behaviour and activities for better mitigation strategies.
Bitebekezi further elaborated on Uganda CAA’s adoption of modern, science-based methods and reported about the ongoing ecological study conducted by Nature Uganda on behalf of UCAA.
The sensitization brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including local leaders, fishermen, health and sanitation officials, and UCAA technical teams.
All participants collectively pledged to strengthen community awareness, improve hygiene practices, and support ongoing monitoring efforts.
The initiative underscores UCAA’s unwavering commitment to mitigating wildlife hazards, particularly bird strikes, which pose significant risks to aircraft operations, passenger safety, and incur substantial airline costs.
About The Author
