Uganda’s ICAO Council seat amplifies its voice in global aviation

October 3, 2025 in Companies by Editor

Uganda has been elected to the governing council of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), marking a diplomatic and industry breakthrough that positions the country at the heart of global aviation policy-making.

Kampala secured 155 out of 185 votes in a competitive process during the 42nd ICAO Assembly in Montreal, winning a seat in Part III of the 36-member council for the 2025–2028 term. Part III is reserved for states ensuring equitable geographic representation, and Uganda joins countries such as Angola, Malaysia, the Republic of Korea, the UAE, and Qatar.

The election underscores Uganda’s growing credibility in international aviation, despite being a relatively small player compared to the global heavyweights that dominate Parts I and II of the ICAO Council. Uganda’s delegation, led by Works and Transport Minister Gen. Katumba Wamala, included Ambassador Allan Kajik (Uganda’s acting High Commissioner to Canada), Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) Director General Fred Bamwesigye, and senior officials from the ministry.

The ICAO Council is the UN specialised agency’s top decision-making body, responsible for setting standards and recommended practices (SARPs) that guide aviation safety, security, efficiency, and sustainability across 192 member states. Membership therefore gives Uganda both influence and responsibility — an opportunity to shape the evolving rules of global aviation, from sustainable fuels and emissions targets to new technologies like unmanned aircraft systems.

Katumba Wamala hailed Uganda’s victory as “an international vote of confidence” in its aviation sector, adding that the seat would help the country tap into best practices and strengthen partnerships. Uganda’s representative to ICAO, Kabbs Tuijuke — who has served as UCAA’s liaison in Montreal since 2008 — will continue to represent the country at the council.

Uganda’s election comes at a critical time. The country is in the midst of expanding its aviation infrastructure, with Entebbe International Airport undergoing upgrades, Uganda Airlines pursuing ambitious long-haul operations, and the wider aviation ecosystem seeking to align with International Air Transport Association (IATA) and ICAO sustainability goals.

Industry experts note that securing a council seat may also enhance investor and partner confidence. It could provide Uganda with greater leverage in technical assistance, funding for infrastructure, and knowledge-sharing in areas such as safety oversight and environmental compliance. With ICAO debates increasingly focusing on carbon emissions, alternative fuels, and digitisation of air navigation services, Uganda now has a voice in decisions that could shape the competitiveness of its national carrier and air transport sector.

However, analysts caution that Uganda’s election is not just ceremonial. It raises expectations for stronger domestic aviation governance. The country still grapples with the development of aviation infrastructure beyond Entebbe and the need to harmonise regulatory oversight with global standards. For the seat to translate into tangible gains, Uganda will need to back its diplomatic presence with substantive reforms and sustained investment in aviation infrastructure and human capital.

As the council prepares to set new policy directions for the next three years, Uganda’s ability to balance domestic priorities with its global responsibilities will be closely watched. For Kampala, the challenge will be ensuring that this diplomatic victory delivers measurable benefits for airlines, travellers, and the wider economy.