Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), in partnership with the East African Community Civil Aviation Safety and Security Oversight Agency (CASSOA), Boeing International, and Cranfield University, have kicked off a three-day Regulatory Excellence workshop in Entebbe, running to September 3rd, 2025.
While opening the workshop, the UCAA’s director general, Fred K. Bamwesigye, noted that international regional cooperation engagements of this nature must be more regular since aviation is a global industry graduated by the world bodies such as ICAO and regional safety oversight bodies such as CASSOA.
“Through this, we can build a strong safety question that not only addresses the challenges, but also anticipates the needs of tomorrow. We emphasise these objectives every other day, and some people actually misunderstand us, but this is the safety business we are in,” he said.
He aslo underscored the increasing importance of effective regulation in an era of rapid technological transformation within the aviation sector.
“The aviation industry is experiencing rapid innovations, digitalisation, drones, cyber-security, electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL), and advanced air mobility systems. These changes require regulators not only to enforce standards but also to safeguard public trust while enabling growth and innovation,” Bamwesigye said.
In addition, he highlighted the dual role of regulators as both protectors and enablers of growth, saying, “We must ensure safety, transparency, and accountability, while at the same time creating environments where industries can thrive, investments can be attracted, and opportunities expanded.”
Eng. Richard Gatete, the CASSOA’s executive director welcomed the initiative as both timely and strategic, stressing the importance of harmonized regulatory practices across the East African region to uphold global aviation standards and enhance safety.
“Effective regulation is the backbone of safe and sustainable air transport. By working together through regional platforms such as this, we can standardise procedures, anticipate risks, and strengthen the resilience of our aviation systems,” he remarked.
Over the three days, participants will explore regulatory strategies for emerging technologies, crisis management and resilience, leadership in regulatory change, and safety management systems (SMS).
According to Harry Chamwada, the programs manager at Boeing International, the training is about strengthening the relationship with CASSOA, as well as with the member states.
“Additionally, beyond strengthening the oversight capabilities of the regulatory bodies, we also want to see that these bodies play a role in enhancing the region’s economies, because we understand that it’s not just about safety. It’s all about it’s also about building the economies and enhancing the GDPs of these countries,” he noted.
The workshop also emphasizes the value of collaboration among regulators, airlines, service providers, and international partners in shaping a safer, more innovative, and globally competitive aviation sector for Africa.
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