Uganda Civil Aviation Authority has convened a high-level continental workshop at Speke Resort Munyonyo aimed at strengthening fair competition frameworks across Africa’s air transport sector as the country deepens its commitment to aviation reforms.
The three-day capacity-building workshop, officially opened on Wednesday by UCAA Director General Fred K. Bamwesigye, focuses on drafting, revising, and implementing competition regulations in air transport services across the continent. The event runs from May 6 to 8, 2026.
Organized by the African Civil Aviation Commission in partnership with the McGill Institute of Air and Space Law and funded by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, the workshop is part of broader efforts to operationalize the Single African Air Transport Market under the Yamoussoukro Decision.
In his opening remarks, Bamwesigye underscored the need to balance liberalization with strong oversight.
“Open skies must be matched with fair competition. Strong regulatory frameworks are essential to prevent market distortions, safeguard consumer interests, and ensure a level playing field for airlines,”he said.
He reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to building a transparent and competitive aviation industry, pointing to recent milestones.
“We have enacted a Competition Act in 2024, established a Consumer Protection Unit within UCAA, and are developing draft competition and consumer protection regulations aligned with continental frameworks,” Bamwesigye noted.
Although Uganda is not yet a full member of SAATM, he said the country is making steady progress toward accession.
“We are undertaking consultations and preparing for Cabinet consideration as part of deliberate steps toward joining the Single African Air Transport Market,” he added.
The workshop has drawn aviation regulators, legal experts, and representatives from regional economic communities across Africa, creating a platform for knowledge-sharing and policy alignment.
Participants are engaging in technical sessions, comparative legal analysis, and hands-on drafting exercises designed to equip them with practical tools for enforcing competition regulations in line with continental standards.
Bamwesigye commended AFCAC and its partners for advancing Africa’s regulatory capacity and urged member states to accelerate implementation of SAATM.
“Full implementation of SAATM is critical for unlocking the growth and integration potential of Africa’s aviation sector,” he said.
