By Geraldine Nababiitto
The aviation industry in Uganda has been growing steadily over the years since 1991through the CAA Ordinance number 2 of 1991, with the government and private sector investing heavily in modernizing the sector. The digital transformation of the aviation space in Uganda is an important aspect of this modernization process, and it has the potential to revolutionize the way the industry operates. The digital transformation of the aviation space in Uganda can be seen in several areas, including: -

Considering Airline Operations. The digital transformation of airline operations in Uganda has led to the introduction of new technologies such as e-tickets, online check-in, and automated baggage handling systems. These technologies have improved the efficiency of airline and supported smooth operations, reduced costs which may most likely occur due to on and off movements, and enhanced the passenger experience, as well as facilitating fast and consistent functioning, as well as relating to the convenience created. Still on the successful digital transformation, the passenger data recorded at Entebbe International Airport is enough to stimulate the growth, change and progress served by Uganda Civil Aviation Authority where 82,317 arriving and 89,661 departing passengers were recorded in October 2023, a total of 171,978, an average of 5,547 per day. Jan-Oct 2023 recorded 1,562,407 international pax compared to 1,293,866 in the same period of 2022 and 1,470,488 in Jan-Oct 2019.

Airport Management. The digital transformation of airport management in Uganda has led to the introduction of new technologies such as Airport Management Systems (AMS) and Baggage Handling Systems (BHS). However, these technologies have largely contributed and improved the efficiency of airport operations as well as reducing costs, support a stronger bond between the passengers and the aviation industry for example, the project for the upgrade and expansion of Entebbe International Airport is critical to the development of the air transport industry in light of the growing passenger and cargo traffic figures. While Entebbe International Airport handled 118,000 international passengers in 1991 at Uganda Civil Aviation Authority’s (UCAA) establishment, the Airport handled 1.8 million passengers in 2019. The passenger traffic growth trend was only halted in 2020 when the figure reduced to 565,541 owing to the effects generated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The revival and commencement of flights by the national airline, Uganda Airlines, is expected to further grow this traffic, and promote the country’s tourism potential. In addition, traffic is also expected to be boosted by the coming on board of other new air operators like Airlink and Air Arabia, among others.
In terms of cargo, Entebbe handled 6,600 metric tonnes of cargo in 1991, 59,720 metric
tonnes in 2020, 64,000 metric tonnes in 2021 and 61,000 metric tonnes in 2022.
Uganda’s major exports, include fresh produce, including fish, flowers, vegetables and
fruits, which are consumed by markets in Netherlands, Belgium and the Middle East.
The new state-of-the-art cargo Centre with capacity to handle 100,000 metric tonnes
annually is aimed at addressing this demand. Cargo operations have already shifted to the new facility.

Furthermore, Aviation Security is also another factor of digital transformation in the aviation industry in Uganda, where there has been introduction of new technologies such as Biometric Identification Systems which are basically used to identify individuals through fingerprints, facial, voices and many other biological measurements plus physical characteristics and, X-ray Scanners. These technologies have improved the accuracy and efficiency of aviation security, reducing the risk of security breaches and improving passenger safety.

Aviation Training and Education. The digital transformation of aviation training and education in Uganda has led to the introduction of new technologies such as Online Training Platforms and Virtual Reality Simulators. These technologies have improved the quality and accessibility of aviation training and education, enabling students to learn new skills and gain knowledge in a more effective and efficient manner. 

Reader, Uganda’s aviation sector is a vibrant one. The continued expansion of route networks served by Uganda Airlines as well as the upgrade and expansion of our Airport at Entebbe mean that we now have the capacity to handle larger numbers of visitors to our country as well as larger volumes of export Cargo. In addition to cargo, the airport recorded 3,808 metric tons of exports & 1,924 tons of imports, a total of 5,732 tones in Oct. 2023. Jan - Oct 2023 recorded 48,209 tones, compared to 53,458 metric tons in Jan-Oct 2019. Recovery rate is 94.6% for exports and 81.2% for imports.
    
This is why the upcoming NAM and G77 summits in Uganda are yet another opportunity for Uganda,  East Africa and Africa to grow their contribution to global manufacturing output, and global financing. It is an opportunity for the over 5,000 international delegates including Heads of States scheduled to attend and arriving through our infamous Entebbe International Airport, from 15th to 23rd January, 2024, to commit to pursuing trade and economic policies that help Uganda and the entire membership of NAM,  attain universal socio-economic transformation. 

The writer is a Communications Assistant at Ministry of ICT and National Guidance.