Uganda has reaffirmed its commitment to liberalizing its aviation sector and strengthening fair competition frameworks as part of broader efforts to integrate into Africa’s single air transport market.
Speaking at the opening of a continental capacity-building workshop on competition regulations in African air transport in Munyonyo, the Director General of the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), Fred Bamwesigye said aviation remains a key pillar of economic transformation across the continent.
“Aviation is far more than transportation; it is a driver of economic growth, trade, tourism, and regional integration,” he said. “A connected Africa is a competitive Africa. However, connectivity alone is not enough.”
The three-day workshop, running from May 6 to 8, focuses on drafting, revising, and implementing competition regulations in air transport services across Africa.
Bamwesigye emphasized that while initiatives such as the Single African Air Transport Market(SAATM) and the African Continental Free Trade Area offer major opportunities, liberalization must be backed by fair competition.
“Open skies must be matched with fair competition,” he said. “Without strong competition frameworks, liberalization can lead to market distortions, unfair practices, and reduced consumer confidence.”
Uganda, though not yet a full member of SAATM, is taking concrete steps toward compliance. As a signatory to the Yamoussoukro Decision, the country has already implemented key measures such as multiple airline designation, unlimited frequencies, and the granting of fifth freedom traffic rights on regional routes.
Airlines including RwandAir and Kenya Airways are already benefiting from these arrangements.
“We are taking deliberate and practical steps toward liberalization and regulatory readiness. These include strengthening our legal framework and aligning our regulations with continental standards.”
Among the milestones highlighted was the enactment of Uganda’s Competition Act in 2024, as well as the establishment of a Consumer Protection Unit within UCAA.
“We have developed draft Civil Aviation (Competition) and Consumer Protection Regulations aligned with continental frameworks, with promulgation expected by June 2026,” he added.
He also confirmed that internal consultations on joining SAATM are nearing completion.
“We are finalizing internal processes, after which a cabinet memorandum will be submitted for approval,” Bamwesigye said.
He acknowledged that uneven implementation of competition frameworks across Africa remains a key challenge, making the Munyonyo workshop particularly significant.
“This workshop is both timely and strategic. It provides a platform to strengthen technical capacity, share best practices, enhance coordination, and develop practical regulatory tools.”
He reiterated Uganda’s commitment to building a fair, transparent, and competitive aviation sector as part of Africa’s broader integration agenda.
“We firmly believe that a well-regulated aviation market will play a vital role in driving Africa’s economic transformation.”
