The Parliamentary Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE), led by its Chairperson Hon. Muwada Nkunyingi, MP for Kyadondo East, has conducted an extensive oversight visit to Entebbe International Airport, assessing operations, infrastructure development, aviation safety and investments being undertaken by the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA).
The visit provided members of the committee with an opportunity to directly assess how airport operations are conducted on a daily basis and to appreciate the progress being made in strengthening Uganda’s aviation infrastructure and service delivery.
During the tour, the COSASE team inspected several key areas of the airport, including passenger-handling facilities, baggage operations, cargo facilities, aviation safety installations and other critical operational sections.
One of the major projects inspected was the new Baggage Handling Terminal, which is at an advanced stage of completion. The facility is expected to enhance baggage-handling capacity, improve efficiency and further support smooth passenger processing as Entebbe International Airport continues to serve growing numbers of travellers.
The committee also toured the air cargo facilities, where members assessed the handling of imports and exports. The cargo section remains an important component of Uganda’s international trade infrastructure, connecting businesses and exporters to regional and international markets through air transport.
A key highlight of the inspection was the assessment of newly procured airport fire-fighting trucks and other emergency-response equipment. The modern fire-fighting equipment is an important investment in aviation safety, strengthening the airport’s capacity to respond rapidly and effectively to aircraft incidents, fires and other emergencies.
The MPs also inspected other equipment procured by UCAA as part of ongoing efforts to modernise airport operations and improve safety, efficiency and service delivery.
The committee members expressed appreciation for the progress witnessed at the airport, noting that the investments in infrastructure, equipment and safety systems demonstrate continued efforts to position Entebbe International Airport as a modern and efficient international gateway.
RELATED
The inspection also enabled COSASE to identify areas that require further discussion and engagement with UCAA management. The issues noted during the visit will be subjected to further scrutiny during committee meetings as Parliament continues to exercise its oversight responsibility over public institutions and statutory authorities.
For COSASE, the visit goes beyond simply inspecting facilities. It provides Parliament with an opportunity to establish whether public investments are delivering the intended value, whether facilities and equipment are being effectively utilised, and what additional interventions may be required to improve service delivery.
For UCAA, the inspection offered an opportunity to showcase the progress achieved in upgrading Uganda’s aviation infrastructure while also receiving parliamentary feedback on areas that require continued attention.
The visit therefore reflects a constructive partnership between Parliament and UCAA, combining oversight, accountability and support for institutional improvement.
With Entebbe International Airport serving as Uganda’s principal international gateway, investments in modern passenger facilities, baggage systems, cargo infrastructure, emergency response and aviation safety remain critical to supporting tourism, trade, investment and the wider national economy.
The COSASE oversight visit has consequently provided a strong platform for further engagement between Parliament and UCAA as Uganda continues to modernise its aviation sector and strengthen the standards and capacity of Entebbe International Airport.
