Uganda is hosting the 48th East African Consultative Meeting on Facilitation of Air Transport (EAC-FAL) from November 26–28, 2025, at Speke Resort Munyonyo, bringing together aviation leaders and regulators from across the East African Community (EAC).

The event, organized by the Ministry of Works and Transport in partnership with the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), aims to strengthen regional cooperation, harmonize aviation standards, and enhance the seamless and secure movement of passengers, cargo, and aircraft.

The meeting was officially opened by Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, who welcomed delegates from ICAO, the Civil Aviation Safety and Security Oversight Agency (CASSOA), the African Union Commission, and other partner agencies. He underscored Uganda’s commitment to improving passenger facilitation, operational efficiency, and regional connectivity.

“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 rising prominence, which handled over 1.13 million international passengers in the first half of 2025, and noted that Uganda Airlines now serves 17 destinations, reinforcing the country’s role in regional and global air travel.

Representing UCAA Director General Ms. Olive Birungi Lumonya, the deputy director general emphasized that harmonized facilitation standards, in line with ICAO Annex 9, are essential for efficient and secure air transport. She praised delegates for inspecting Entebbe International Airport, noting that such assessments provide valuable feedback to guide improvements and maintain international standards.

Uganda is actively investing in aviation infrastructure to meet growing demand, including:

-Expansion of Entebbe International Airport’s passenger terminal from 2 million to 3.5 million annual capacity;

-Rehabilitation of Runway 12/30 and taxiways;

-Construction of a 23-million-litre aviation fuel farm and hydrant system;

-Development of a modern cargo center with 100,000 metric tons annual capacity;

-Rehabilitation of key aircraft aprons;

-Ongoing development of Hoima International Airport to support the Albertine region’s oil and gas sector.

The three-day meeting focuses on ICAO standards implementation, cooperation on facilitation processes, efficiency in passenger and cargo movement, and promotion of trade, tourism, and regional connectivity. It reinforces Uganda’s long-term commitment to delivering safe, efficient, and world-class aviation services while positioning the country as a strategic hub in East Africa’s aviation sector.