Africa-Press – Uganda. The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) has called for greater coordination between meteorologists and aviation professionals to enhance flight safety, operational efficiency, and preparedness against weather-related risks.
Speaking at the opening of the Aviation Weather Awareness Workshop at the Imperial Golf View Hotel in Entebbe, UCAA Director General, Fred Bamwesigye emphasized that aviation, by its nature, is highly dependent on accurate, timely, and reliable meteorological information.
From take-off to landing, he said, weather conditions influence every decision in the cockpit, at air traffic control, and in airport operations, affecting flight planning, air traffic control, airport management, and aircraft performance.
“Accidents and delays linked to weather remain a global concern in aviation safety, which is an indicator of the importance of accurate weather information. Severe storms, low visibility and wind shear can all disrupt schedules and compromise safety. Reliable forecasting tools and clear communication channels are essential for pilots, controllers, and airport operators,” Bamwesigye said.
“Our mission at UCAA is safety, safety, and safety.”
Bamwesigye added that stakeholders must have access to accurate meteorological data and the ability to interpret and apply it effectively.
He expressed optimism that the two-day workshop would strengthen collaboration between meteorological experts and aviation professionals, increase awareness of aviation weather, build consensus on mandates, and improve operational efficiency across the sector.
He noted that UCAA’s cooperation with the Department of Meteorological Services of the Ministry of Water and Environment, airlines, and airport operators was key to ensuring that weather forecasts translate into proactive safety measures, especially as air traffic movements continue to grow.
Entebbe International Airport recorded 32,552 aircraft movements in 2024, up from 30,901 in 2023, 28,985 in 2022, and 21,584 in 2021. The Director General stressed that such growth must be matched with enhanced safety measures and operational resilience.
The General Manager of the Directorate of Airports and Aviation Security Eng.Ayub Sooma said the workshop was timely and essential.
He said the theme — “Fostering Coordination and Collaboration between Meteorologists and Aviation Professionals” — reflected a shared commitment to managing weather-related risks through informed decision-making, accurate forecasting, and robust communication.
The Commissioner for Meteorology in the Ministry of Water and Environment, Dr.Bob Alex Ogwang said weather is one of the most critical factors influencing aviation safety, regularity and
efficiency and that meteorologists must be at the top of their game always.
“Challenges, ranging from turbulence and thunderstorms, to low visibility and wind
shear, adversely pose significant risks to aircraft operations. Our role as meteorologists is not just to predict these phenomena, but to ensure that the information we provide is precise, actionable, and seamlessly integrated into aviation decision-making processes,”Ogwang said.
The workshop will cover the interpretation and use of meteorological data for flight planning and safety, improved collaboration between weather service providers and aviation operators, aerodrome safeguarding measures, and capacity building to address evolving climate challenges.
Both UCAA management and the workshop facilitators urged participants to actively share experiences, ask questions, and treat the forum as a platform for innovation and practical solutions to weather-related aviation risks.
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