By AGGERY BULUBA
The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) has commissioned two state-of-the-art fire trucks at Entebbe International Airport, significantly boosting aviation safety measures. The commissioning, which took place on Wednesday, October 22, 2024, was led by the Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Katumba Wamala, along with other key officials.
The newly acquired fire trucks, Tango 21 and Tango 22 are equipped with advanced features essential for maintaining safety standards at the airport. Tango 21 can carry 12,500 liters of water and 1,500 liters of foam, while Tango 22 holds 10,500 liters of water. Both vehicles feature high-reach extendable turrets capable of piercing through an aircraft’s fuselage in emergencies.
This acquisition ensures that Entebbe International Airport maintains its International Fire Category 9 status, a classification that requires the availability of 24,300 liters of water at all times. With the new trucks offering a combined capacity of 23,000 liters, the airport is well-prepared for potential emergencies. The move is part of ongoing efforts to comply with international aviation safety regulations.
UCAA’s Director General, Mr. Fred Bamwesigye, emphasized that 72 staff members underwent specialized training to operate and maintain the new equipment. This investment in modern fire safety technology and personnel training is crucial as Uganda’s aviation industry continues to expand, with rising aircraft movements and passenger numbers.
Additionally, the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) has been steadily upgrading its firefighting and rescue capabilities. Before the acquisition of the new fire trucks, UCAA had also invested in firefighting boats and other essential equipment to enhance safety measures across its operations.
During the commissioning event, Minister Gen. Katumba Wamala praised UCAA’s continued efforts in ensuring aviation safety and congratulated the team on this important milestone. He emphasized that maintaining safety standards is critical as air traffic at Entebbe International Airport continues to grow.
In parallel with these safety improvements, the airport is also making significant progress on its expansion project. The new terminal building, which is expected to greatly enhance passenger handling capacity, is set to be completed by the end of this year.
These developments are viewed as a major step forward for Uganda’s aviation industry, strengthening both safety protocols and operational standards at Entebbe International Airport. This progress is crucial as the country positions itself to handle increased air traffic and boost its standing in the international aviation sector.
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