KAMPALA – In a significant move to strengthen aviation safety, Uganda has officially inaugurated the National Committee on Wildlife Hazard Management this Wednesday, 21st May 2025, during a ceremony held at Four Points by Sheraton hotel in Kampala.
The Committee, established under the Civil Aviation (Aerodromes) Regulations, 2022, is tasked with analyzing wildlife hazards at aerodromes, conducting research, and evaluating the effectiveness of current mitigation strategies. This initiative is part of Uganda’s broader effort to proactively address risks posed by wildlife to aviation, especially bird strikes, which are a growing concern both locally and globally.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Works and Transport, Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Board Chairman, Hon. Justice Steven Kavuma, highlighted the urgency of the issue.
“The rising frequency of wildlife strikes, particularly bird strikes, represents a significant threat to aviation safety worldwide. This is an area where proactive and collaborative management can yield lasting impact,” he said.
Justice Kavuma commended the formation of the committee as a timely and strategic measure by the government to coordinate expertise and efforts across sectors.
“It brings together specialists from aviation, wildlife management, academia, environmental science, and various government institutions—each playing a critical role in safeguarding airspace,” he added.
Chairing the newly formed Committee is Mr. Fred K. Bamwesigye, Director General of the Uganda CAA, who emphasized the need for a unified, evidence-based approach to tackling the threat posed by wildlife around airports.
“This Committee is more than just a statutory requirement; it is an active, results-oriented body with a defined mandate and responsibility to the aviation sector,” Mr. Bamwesigye said.
Members of the National Committee on Wildlife Hazard Management:
- Eng. Barongo Ronny – Director of Safety, Security, and Economic Regulation, Uganda CAA
- Mr. Joses Tegyeza Kachetero – Ministry of Public Service
- Ms. Winnie Nampeera – Ministry of Works and Transport
- Mr. Kidega Denis – Ministry of Lands
- Ms. Anne Lilian Nakafeero – National Environment Management Authority (NEMA)
- Capt. Twesigye Emmanuel – Uganda Wildlife Authority
- Mr. Mirembe Dan – Uganda Wildlife Authority
- Col. Ainomugisha Collins – Uganda People’s Defence Air Forces
- Lt. Kagina Alex – Uganda People’s Defence Air Forces
- Ms. Gloria Kirabo – Uganda CAA
- Mr. Andrew Ssempungu – Uganda CAA
- Dr. Nakanjako Maria Flavia – Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries
- Dr. Perpetra Akite – Makerere University
- Captain Japeth Okabo Okeng – Uganda Airlines
- Ms. Atto Irene – Uganda CAA
- Mr. Bigirwa Emmanuel – Uganda CAA
- Ms. Nafuna Suzan – Uganda CAA
The Committee is expected to spearhead policy recommendations, initiate research-driven solutions, and coordinate national efforts to reduce wildlife hazards near airports.
This marks a crucial step in enhancing Uganda’s aviation safety standards, aligning with global best practices while protecting both air travelers and local biodiversity.