- VISIONS
ISAAC KAMUGO:
Leveraging Professionalism to Drive Safety and Service Excellence
The Uganda Air Transport Safety Engineering Association (UGATSEA) is playing a key role not only in the context of its membership within the fold of the Africa region of the International Federation of Air Traffic Safety Electronics Associations (IFATSEA) but also in relation to sharpening the competence and honing the skills of Ugandan air traffic safety electronics personnel (ATSEP). In partnership with critical Ugandan aviation stakeholders and the IFATSEA Africa Regional Office, UGATSEA is hosting the 15th IFATSEA Africa Region Meeting (ARM) in Kampala, Uganda from 17 to 20 June, 2025. Isaac Kamugo, a distinguished air traffic safety engineer with a wealth of professional experience, is the President of UGATSEA. The Air Traffic Safety Electronics International’s Visions Team caught up with Engr. Kamugo and here’s what he had to say:
As the President of the Uganda Air Transport Safety Engineering Association (UGATSEA), how would you describe the developmental changes you are seeing today across the Ugandan aviation landscapes?
Uganda’s aviation landscape is undergoing transformative development driven by infrastructure modernization and technological advancement. Key among these changes is the expansion and upgrading of Entebbe International Airport and the construction of Kabaale International Airport in the oil-rich Albertine region. There are also a number of Public-Private Partnership projects to develop international airports within the Ugandan tourist circuit including Arua, Kidepo and others.
There is also an emphasis on safety and efficiency improvements through the implementation of modern Communication, Navigation, and Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) systems. This includes replacement of obsolete systems as well as expansion of service coverage to expand system capacity.
And how would you compare these changes with recent and current developmental patterns in the African aviation ecosystem as a whole?
The developmental changes we’re seeing in Uganda closely mirror broader trends across the African aviation ecosystem, where many nations are investing heavily in modernizing their infrastructure, improving safety, and enhancing connectivity. Like many African countries, Uganda is leveraging Public-Private Partnerships and aligning with ICAO standards to enhance safety and efficiency.
Talking about ATSEP’s competence, training and certification, what is the status of Uganda today regarding the licensing or certification of Ugandan ATSEP?
In Uganda, the certification and licensing of Air Traffic Safety Electronics Personnel (ATSEP) are currently in a developmental phase. The Civil Aviation Regulations have recently been amended to officially recognize and include ATSEPs, marking a major step forward in aligning with ICAO standards.
Currently, training programs aimed at developing the necessary competencies to manage and implement the ATSEP certification system are underway. In parallel, manuals, procedures, and training materials are being developed to support a structured and sustainable certification process.
What are your thoughts regarding the lingering agitation by IFATSEA for the inclusion of ATSEP in ICAO Annex 1?
The call by IFATSEA for the inclusion of ATSEP in ICAO Annex 1 is both timely and justified. ATSEPs play a critical role in the safety chain of air navigation services, ensuring the functionality, reliability, and integrity of CNS/ATM systems. Despite this, ATSEPs remain the only safety-critical aviation professionals not yet recognized under Annex 1, which outlines licensing standards for personnel such as pilots, air traffic controllers, and aircraft maintenance engineers.
In my view, the lack of inclusion has led to inconsistent approaches globally in training, certification, and regulatory oversight of ATSEP functions. This gap affects harmonization and, in some regions, may undermine safety standards. Including ATSEPs in Annex 1 would provide a globally accepted framework for competency requirements, licensing, and continuous professional development, strengthening aviation safety worldwide.
At UGATSEA, we stand in full support of IFATSEA’s position and believe that inclusion in Annex 1 is not only a matter of equity, but a strategic necessity for the future of safe, seamless, and sustainable air navigation services.
The theme of the 15th IFATSEA Africa Region Meeting, which your association is hosting, is centered on the digitalization of the CNS/ATM space. How would you describe the roles and responsibilities of ATSEP in a highly digitalized and automated CNS/ATM environment?
With the current advancements in technology, ATSEPs have taken on greater responsibilities beyond traditional maintenance and monitoring. They are now actively involved in planning and designing CNS/ATM systems, analyzing technical and operational requirements, and managing cybersecurity risks to protect critical aviation infrastructure. Additionally, ATSEPs support safety management processes, participate in incident investigations, and contribute to system upgrades and testing. Their expanded role makes them essential contributors to ensuring safe, efficient, and secure air navigation in today’s highly digitalized and automated aviation environment.
As the President of UGATSEA, what are your visions and mission for both UGATSEA and air traffic safety systems operations in Uganda?
The vision of UGATSEA is “To be the leading platform where aviation engineering professionals can leverage their expertise to drive safety and service excellence in the aviation industry.” And the mission is “To unite aviation engineering professionals in CAA Uganda for their professional growth and to promote the highest standards of safety, service, and innovation in the industry.”
Personally, my dream is to see African ATSEPs play a leading role in advancing operational systems technology across the continent through research and development. I envision ATSEPs contributing more actively to solving challenges within our domain and driving innovation.
Finally, how would you describe the future of Africa in relation to the safety and efficiency of civil aviation operations?
The future of Africa’s civil aviation sector holds great promise, fueled by increasing investments in infrastructure, adoption of modern CNS/ATM technologies, and stronger regulatory frameworks. As African countries continue to collaborate under initiatives like the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), we expect to see enhanced regional connectivity, improved safety standards, and more efficient airspace management. However, realizing this future requires sustained commitment to training, certification, and harmonization of standards across the continent. It also calls for investment in research, development, and technology tailored to Africa’s unique operational challenges.
I am confident that with collective effort, Africa will emerge as a leader in safe, efficient, and sustainable civil aviation, contributing significantly to the continent’s economic growth and integration. ◙
All rights reserved. No part of this material or the content of this website may be reproduced or published in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of the publisher.
Contact: atsei@dextermarie.com
