KAMPALA, Uganda — Uganda has officially launched its National Committee on Wildlife Hazard Management, a strategic initiative aimed at bolstering aviation safety and mitigating risks like bird strikes at aerodromes. The committee was inaugurated Wednesday at the Four Points by Sheraton hotel in Kampala.
Established under the Civil Aviation (Aerodromes) Regulations, 2022, the committee is tasked with analyzing wildlife challenges at airports, conducting research and reviewing the effectiveness of existing mitigation measures. This move marks a significant step in Uganda’s proactive approach to curbing wildlife-related aviation risks.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Works and Transport, Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Board Chairman Justice Steven Kavuma stressed the urgent need to address wildlife hazards.
“The increasing frequency of wildlife strikes, particularly bird strikes, poses a significant challenge to aviation safety not only for Uganda, but across the globe,” Kavuma said. “This is one area of aviation safety where proactive and collaborative management can make a real and lasting difference.”
Kavuma hailed the committee’s formation as both “timely and necessary,” signaling a “decisive step forward in the Government of Uganda’s commitment to systematically address the risks posed by wildlife around airports and in airspace.” He noted it brings together essential minds from the aviation industry, academia, environmental science, wildlife management and government agencies.
Fred K. Bamwesigye, Director General of Uganda CAA and chairperson of the new committee, underscored the need for a united, evidence-based approach to these threats.
“This Committee is not simply a formality, it is a working body with a clear mandate, measurable outcomes, and accountability to the aviation industry,” Bamwesigye said.
The multi-sectoral committee comprises experts from key government ministries, regulatory authorities, academia and security forces. Members include:
- Barongo Ronny – Director Safety, Security and Economic Regulation, Uganda CAA
- Joses Tegyeza Kachetero – Ministry of Public Service
- Winnie Nampeera – Ministry of Works and Transport
- Kidega Denis – Ministry of Lands
- Anne Lilian Nakafeero – National Environment Management Authority (NEMA)
- Twesigye Emmanuel – Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA)
- Mirembe Dan – Uganda Wildlife Authority
- Ainomugisha Collins – Uganda Peoples’ Defence Air Forces
- Kagina Alex – Uganda Peoples’ Defence Air Forces
- Gloria Kirabo – Uganda CAA
- Andrew Ssempungu – Uganda CAA
- Nakanjako Maria Flavia – Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries
- Perpetra Akite – Makerere University
- Captain Japeth Okabo Okeng – Uganda Airlines
- Atto Irene – Uganda CAA
- Bigirwa Emmanuel – Uganda CAA
- Nafuna Suzan – Uganda CAA
