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The Government of Uganda through the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority has received COVID-19 security equipment worth Shs1 billion from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) as part of efforts to ensure safer operations when the Passenger operations finally resume at Entebbe International Airport.
According to the Agricultural Director General of the UCAA, Mr. Fred Bamwesigye, during this closure, the UCAA made several commitments with the interested parties to guarantee the availability of the airport facilities and one was with the IOM that was initiated by the Ministry of Works and Transportation.
“It was intended to help meet the required standard operating procedures issued by the World Health Organization and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to protect against the spread of COVID-19 through air travel,” said the Tuesday while receiving the team at UCAA Headquarters in Entebbe.
Mr. Bamwesigye noted that the equipment will be of great help in ensuring the safety of passengers and staff at the frontline airport.
“It is important to note that the Ugandan government is undertaking a number of interventions and the UCAA is implementing them to provide an enabling environment for users of Entebbe International Airport,” he said.
Mr. Bamwesigye added that a number of other interventions have been put in place to address the challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in air travel such as; the installation of automated disinfectants at various points within the terminal building, social distancing marks on the ground, passenger waiting seats within the lounges, among others.
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Minister of State for Transport Hon Joy Kabatsi, while receiving the equipment, said that the Ugandan government is working hand in hand with many stakeholders in the aviation, tourism and trade sectors to devise strategies aimed at implementing measures of mitigation to slow the spread of COVID-19 through air travel when passenger operations resume.
“So far, mitigation measures have been tested with evacuation flights for foreigners and repatriation flights for returning Ugandans, and so far they have proven effective. Therefore, the equipment received from IOM should be able to greatly complement measure the measures in place to ensure a comfortable passenger experience through Entebbe International Airport, “he said.
Ms. Rosa Malango, UN Resident Coordinator and Designated Security Official, said: “COVID-19 puts all of humanity at risk and requires an urgent and coordinated multi-stakeholder response focused on intensifying surveillance measures. , detection and containment, as well as case management and community participation In Uganda, the ministry of health with the support of WHO has worked closely to ensure that preventive measures are implemented and case management is improved. It is important to recognize that the main challenge for airports and other points of entry is to ensure that passengers remain comfortable and safe while handling the spread of COVID-19. Therefore, the IOM will provide the new equipment required by the UCAA to comply with the new airport security and protection standards so that the new terminal can be used. “
Donated equipment includes; an automated computerized thermal scanner, 10 automated Saraya-type disinfectants, an automatic pass-through cabin disinfector with temperature reading and four independent air conditioners that include installation with a drainage system, among others.
