By Aggrey Baba
In collaboration with the Ministry of Works and Transport (MoWT), the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) convened key stakeholders on March 20, 2025, for a critical awareness workshop in Kampala.
The event aimed to sensitize participants about the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) and its transformative impact on Uganda’s aviation industry.
SAATM, a flagship project of the African Union (AU), is designed to enhance connectivity, foster economic integration, and boost trade across the continent by liberalizing air transport. In his opening remarks, the Acting Assistant Commissioner for Air Transport Regulation at MoWT, Mr. Faisal Mbalire, emphasized the urgency for Uganda to embrace the initiative.
He noted that 38 out of 54 African countries, including regional neighbors, like Kenya, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, have already signed up, underscoring the benefits Uganda stands to gain by joining.
Liberalizing air transport, Mr. Mbalire explained, encourages greater competition, resulting in improved service delivery, lower airfares, and more choices of airlines and routes for passengers.
Additionally, increased air traffic, both for passengers and cargo, can stimulate employment opportunities and drive significant economic growth.
The awareness workshop brought together representatives from key institutions, including the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development and Uganda Airlines, among others.
Their participation highlighted the collective commitment to exploring Uganda’s path towards integrating into SAATM and unlocking the full potential of the aviation sector.
As Uganda evaluates its next steps, stakeholders remain optimistic that adopting SAATM will position the country as a competitive player in Africa’s growing air transport industry. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
