By Juma Nsubuga
Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) has organized the first-ever Aviation weather awareness engagement for Meteorologists, Aviation Professionals and other stakeholders from aviation communities to foster coordination and collaboration and build synergies to ensure aviation safety operations at Entebbe international airport.
The two day workshop was organized under the Theme: Fostering coordination and collaboration between Meteorologists and Aviation proffessionals at Imperial Golf View hotel in entebbe.
The workshop was officially opened by Dr Bob Alex Ogwang, the commissioner department of Meteorological services in the Ministry of Water and Environment who represented the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary.
Dr Ogwang challenged UCAA and Ministry of Water and Environment for more capacity building among the relevant stakeholders to ensure accurate information sharing for air traffic controllers.
Ogwang encouraged participants to focus on enhancing early severe weather threats to aviation stakeholders in realtime and strengthen collaboration, fostering closer ties between meteorologists, air traffic controllers, operators and regulators to ensure a unified approach to minimize weather related challenges.
“Let us use this workshop as an opportunity to share knowledge, address gaps and develop practical solutions that will safeguard our skies and remember that lives of passengers, the crew and integrity of our aviation infrastructure depend on work we do” he advised.
Meanwhile UCAA General Manager Emmanuel Barungi expressed the Authority’s commitment to enhancing aviation safety and compliance.
“I encourage all participants to share experiences in this workshop for collaboration and innovation” he said adding that weather is one of the most critical factors influencing the safety, efficiency and regularity of air transport operations.
Barungi further encouraged aviation professionals to use this workshop to enhance collaboration between aviation weather service providers and users.
On to the same development, the director general of UCAA Fred Bamwesigye applauded UCAA, Ministry of Water and Environment and aviation professionals for organizing the workshop.
“This Aviation Weather Awareness Workshop is important for strengthening our shared understanding of the critical role that weather plays in aviation safety and operational efficiency” he said adding that
Aviation is by its very nature, highly dependent on accurate, timely, and reliable meteorological information.
“From take-off to landing, weather conditions influence every decision in the cockpit, at air traffic control, and in airport operations” he observed.
Bamwesigye added that the workshop will impact Flight planning; Air Traffic Control (ATC); Airport Operations; and Aircraft Performance.
“Accidents and delays linked to weather remain a global concern in aviation safety, which is an indicator of the importance of accurate weather information” he noted
He explained that Severe storms, low visibility and wind shear can all disrupt schedules and compromise safety and Reliable forecasting tools noting that clear communication channels are essential for pilots, controllers, and airport Operators.
“This workshop exemplifies the cooperation between UCAA, the Department of Meteorological Services (DMS) of the Ministry of Water and environment (MWE), airlines, and airport operators. These partnerships are essential because weather information is only as valuable as the action it inspires” he said.
He also updated participants that in 2024, Entebbe International Airport recorded 32,552 aircraft movements, which marked a significant increase compared to the 30,901 aircraft movements recorded in the previous year of 2023, 28,985 aircraft movements recorded in 2022 and the 21,584 aircraft movements recorded in 2021.
” Such growth needs to be matched with enhanced safety measures.
Advancements in satellite imagery, radar systems, and data modelling are revolutionizing our ability to forecast and respond to weather events” he said.
Bamwesigye further urged participants to engage actively in the discussions, share expertise and experiences and apply the knowledge gained to improve safety and efficiency in your respective areas.
