Uganda Aviation Academy Ltd has announced an ambitious expansion programme to establish two new aviation training centres in Entebbe and Jinja. The programme, approved by the Academy's Board of Directors, aims to position Uganda as a leading aviation training hub in Africa. The expansion will strengthen the institution's capacity to train pilots and other aviation professionals from Uganda and the region.
The planned investment includes acquiring eight training aircraft and installing two advanced flight simulators. The aircraft will comprise four two-seat single-engine planes for basic flight training, two four-seat single-engine planes for intermediate and advanced training, and two twin-engine planes for advanced commercial pilot training. This will support training programmes leading to Private Pilot Licences, Commercial Pilot Licences, Instrument Ratings, and Multi-Engine Ratings.
The new facilities will support various training programmes, including airline operations, cabin crew training, aviation management, airport services, and aviation safety. The Entebbe Training Centre will focus on airline operations and professional aviation programmes, while the Jinja Aviation Training Centre will serve as a practical flight training hub with aircraft operations, flight simulators, and technical training facilities.
The expansion plan is expected to increase student enrolment capacity, create employment opportunities, and make professional aviation training more accessible to Ugandans and students from neighbouring countries. Board Chairperson Yogi Birigwa said the expansion reflects the institution's ambition to develop into a centre of excellence in aviation education and professional training.
The Academy's Executive Director, Rodney Mukula, will oversee the implementation of the programme. He described the expansion as a transformational investment in the future of aviation training in Uganda. The institution intends to provide affordable, accessible, and internationally competitive aviation education while reducing the need for Ugandan students to seek expensive professional training abroad.
The Academy plans to introduce additional specialised aviation training programmes and establish campuses in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and Bujumbura, Burundi. Within Uganda, the proposed network will cover Entebbe, Jinja, Munyonyo, Ntinda, and Mbarara. The regional expansion aims to attract students from East Africa, Central Africa, and other parts of the continent while strengthening Uganda's position in the aviation education sector.
The expansion will comply with the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority's requirements and international aviation training standards established by the International Civil Aviation Organization and the International Air Transport Association. The Academy emphasised that new flight training activities will only commence after obtaining necessary regulatory approvals, aircraft certification, and operational readiness assessments.
Key points
- The Uganda Aviation Academy's expansion programme includes establishing two new training centres and acquiring eight aircraft to support various training programmes.
- The institution aims to become a leading aviation training hub in Africa, providing affordable and internationally competitive aviation education.
- The expansion will contribute to the development of skilled Ugandan aviation professionals, employment creation, foreign exchange generation, and technological advancement.
