As the debate on the proposed amendments to the Civil Aviation Act commenced before the Physical Infrastructure Committee, radicle proposals now emerge on how the management of the sector should be handed. Appearing before this Committee, Flight Captain Mike Mukula punched holes in the current setup that has led to current Aviation Industry getting decimal ratings. “We need to separate the Airport’s Authority and the Civil Aviation Authority. The Civil Aviation Authority of Uganda will be the one to carry out the oversite operations of airports. But as it is now, you are the operator and you are also the regulator. These are details and facts submitted by QIU.” Said, Capt. Mike Mukula – Aviation Expert.

Mukula proposed reorganization to ensure the country adopts best practices in the region. “Kenya has Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) and they also have Kenya Airports Authority, the same with Tanzania, the same with Rwanda, the same with Ethiopia, the same with Singapore, the same with Britain, the same with the United States; these are what you call International Standards. Why don’t we adhere to those provisions and ensure that we now adopt best practices for the country.” Speaking out on the composition of the Board of Civil Aviation Authority, Mukula called for reforms to bring onboard more critical stakeholders. “We now need to have a board which is competent, a board wherein Uganda you have 7 people, Kenya has got 11 and on the Kenya Board you have got somebody from the Ministry of Finance Permanent Secretary, you have got somebody from the Ministry of Tourism because Airports form part of the backbone of the Tourism Infrastructure you cannot afford to keep them away, three; somebody from the Ministry of Internal Security or National Security; Airports form part of the National Security apparatus and so on and so forth. This inclusion will make it possible for effective direction of the Board which will give policy guidelines and a narrative of the strategic direction the country needs to take.”

Concerns also emerged on the competencies of those in charge of the industry with many according to Mukula lacking knowledge in the Aviation Industry. “Somebody who is a Direct General must have a minimum of 10 years, so you need somebody competent in that aviation sector and I have given them the guidelines on which they should be able to follow.” In response, MPs had this to say about his presentation. “When we are putting a critical focus to look the interest of our country, please when it comes to critical matters like this politicize and bring parties and then you reduce the country on the basis of that.” Said, Julius Ochen – MP, Kapelebyong (Indep). “Are you going to outsource service providers? Then if you are outsourcing service providers you don’t need a lot of staff, common sense. Quality management, system audit; I can do that in 2 days and tell them you don’t need these workers because we have service providers, you need a lean regulator.” Said, Birahwa Mukitale – MP, Bulisa (Indep). With the information out there that the Cabinet has approved the revival of Uganda Airlines, what then needs to be done to sort the infrastructure challenges that face the Aviation Industry in the country.