Uganda has taken centre stage as host of the 48th East African Consultative Meeting on Facilitation of Air Transport (EAC-FAL), held at Speke Resort Munyonyo from November 26–28, 2025.
Organized by the Ministry of Works and Transport in partnership with the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), the meeting gathered leading regional and international aviation stakeholders to deliberate on the future of air transport facilitation in East Africa.
The meeting was officially opened by Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, who welcomed delegates representing the East African Community, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the Civil Aviation Safety and Security Oversight Agency (CASSOA), the African Union Commission, and other partner agencies.
The Minister reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to strengthening regional aviation collaboration and enhancing efficiency in air travel across the region.
“Uganda remains firmly dedicated to promoting cooperation in aviation, improving passenger facilitation, and enhancing the overall efficiency of air transport services,” Gen Katumba Wamala said.
He highlighted Entebbe International Airport’s growing prominence, which handled more than 243,000 international passengers in August 2025 alone, and the progress of Uganda Airlines, now operating flights to 17 destinations.
According to the Minister, these developments position Uganda as “a key player in regional connectivity and global mobility.”
Representing UCAA Director General Olive B. Lumonya, the deputy director general stressed the importance of harmonized facilitation standards across the region.
She noted that the seamless movement of passengers, cargo, and aircraft depends on alignment with ICAO’s Annex 9 on Facilitation.
“Regional integration in aviation is not just desirable; it is essential for efficient, secure, and passenger-friendly air transport. Harmonizing standards enables us to operate as a truly connected region,” she said.
She also praised delegates for inspecting Entebbe International Airport earlier in the week, noting that such engagements provide practical feedback to guide continuous improvements and ensure facilities meet international standards.
Over the three-day meeting, discussions focus on ICAO standards implementation, cooperation on facilitation processes, efficiency in passenger and cargo movement, and promotion of tourism, trade, and regional connectivity.
The deliberations come at a time when East Africa seeks to strengthen competitiveness in global aviation.
Uganda’s ongoing investments in aviation infrastructure—including the expansion of Entebbe International Airport’s passenger terminal, rehabilitation of key runways, and development of Hoima International Airport—demonstrate the country’s long-term commitment to the sector.
The EAC-FAL meeting reinforces Uganda’s dedication to delivering safe, efficient, and world-class aviation services, positioning the nation as a strategic aviation hub in the region.