Kampala, Uganda. In a swift response to looming international audit recommendations, legislators are on standby to process crucial amendments to the Civil Aviation Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2024.
As highlighted by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, the urgency of the matter stems from the need to secure the certification of the country’s airports to avoid potential repercussions.
This article delves into the reasons behind the expedited parliamentary action, the implications of the audit findings, and the proposed amendments aimed at aligning Uganda’s aviation standards with international norms.
The urgency surrounding the amendments to the Civil Aviation Authority Act is fueled by the recent findings of an international audit conducted by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
The audit carried out from September 6 to September 18, 2023, pinpointed significant gaps in the primary legislation of the Civil Aviation Act, enacted in 1991. If left unaddressed, these gaps pose a serious risk of adverse audit findings that could lead to the withdrawal of Uganda’s aviation certification.
Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa emphasised the critical nature of the amendments, revealing that failure to act within a specified period could result in the revocation of Uganda’s aviation certificate. This, in turn, could send a global signal that air travel to and from Uganda and on Ugandan aircraft is unsafe.
International Obligations and Compliance
Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, stressed Uganda’s status as a signatory to the International Convention on Civil Aviation. This international commitment necessitates compliance with the standards and recommended practices outlined by ICAO.
The impending universal security audit scheduled from January 30 to February 8, 2024, further indicates the need for swift legislative action to align Uganda’s aviation sector with international safety and security standards.
The proposed amendments aim to bring the Civil Aviation Authority Act in line with the Convention on International Civil Aviation, commonly known as the Chicago Convention. Enacted in 1947, the Chicago Convention established a specialised agency of the United Nations tasked with coordinating international air travel.
Key provisions of the proposed amendments include granting inspectors unrestricted access to aircraft, aerodromes, and aviation facilities, along with access to cargo and records of aviation organisations under the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA).
Additionally, the amendments will empower UCAA to recognise agreements with third-party states under Article 83 bis of the Chicago Convention, facilitating the transfer of functions and duties and prescribing additional offences.
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