Uganda has left the just-ended ICAO Air Services Negotiation Event (ICAN), hopeful of getting landing rights in more countries as it keeps expanding.
ICAN 2024 that was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 21 to 25 October, brought together aviation industry leaders from around the globe, with the Ugandan delegation led by Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) Deputy Director General, Olive Birungi Lumonya.
ICAN, an annual global event of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), includes Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) negotiations and consultations between states with respect to air services.
At this years event, Uganda concluded new BASAs, reviewed BASAs, and signed Memoranda of Understanding, according to Lumonya.
Before an airline can operate international services to another country, the government where the airline comes from must first negotiate with the prospective destination country, a treaty level agreement known as bilateral air services agreement.
These agreements are crucial in facilitating travel and trade, between Uganda and other countries with planned increased in air traffic from either side.
At the event, MoUs Uganda held negotiations with Latvia, the first of the kind between the two countries, lying the ground to commence plans for flights to the northern European country.
Uganda also got the chance to review its agreements with the United Kingdom, (which in July this year granted Uganda Airlines license to land at Gatwick Airport) and Qatar, one if its latest destinations, as well as Ethiopia.
The Sudan is the latest country to start BASA negotiations with Uganda.Uganda also held separate bilateral negotiations with with India, Botswana and Russia and Malaysia (with the last two being new), while it signed the BASA with Oman.
This has now brought the total number countries with BASAs with Uganda to 57, including 26 from Africa
A BASA sets out obligations and methods for cooperation between the authorities to avoid unnecessary duplication of evaluation, and to facilitate the certification of aeronautical products by the civil aviation authorities.
Currently, Uganda Airlines flies to 17 destinations in 12 countries.
The Ugandan delegation included officials from the Ministry of Works and Transport, Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development and Uganda Airlines.
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Ugandan Citizen Abducted, Held in Secret Detention for Three Months, Sparks Outrage and Calls for Justice
A disturbing new case of unlawful detention has surfaced, highlighting the ongoing human rights crisis in Uganda. A Ugandan citizen was reportedly abducted and held in a secret facility, known as a “safe house,” for three months, only to be released without charge or explanation. This incident, reported by NTV Uganda, has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed calls for accountability regarding human rights abuses in the country.
While the details surrounding the abduction remain unclear, reports indicate that the individual was taken without due process and held incommunicado—an action that has long been condemned by human rights organizations. The victim’s release, with no charges filed and no clear justification, has angered activists and citizens, who view this as yet another case of egregious abuse of power by the state.
“This is a recurring pattern,” said one human rights activist. “Abductions, secret detentions, and unexplained releases have become all too common in Uganda. These acts violate fundamental human rights and erode public trust in the justice system.”
The use of “safe houses,” unregistered detention facilities reportedly operated by security forces, has been a focal point in numerous allegations of torture and illegal imprisonment. Despite repeated calls from both local and international organizations for their closure and accountability for those involved, little action has been taken to address these violations.
This case underscores the urgent need for reform within Uganda’s security apparatus and greater accountability for human rights abuses. Observers hope that drawing attention to these injustices will spur concrete action to bring those responsible to justice and ensure the protection of basic human rights.
As frustration mounts, calls for both domestic and international pressure to hold the government accountable for such crimes grow louder. “One day, there must be accountability for all these crimes against our people,” stated one social media user, reflecting the sentiments of many Ugandans.
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NUP Gathering Disrupted: Kyagulanyi Alleges Security Force Harassment and Arrests
National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi has accused Ugandan security forces of using excessive force to disrupt a planned NUP gathering. The allegations were detailed in a statement shared on Twitter, following an event held to honor children of NUP supporters who were killed, disappeared, or detained for their political beliefs.
According to Kyagulanyi, security personnel, under the command of an officer identified as Asiimwe, carried out a preemptive operation early in the morning upon learning of the NUP’s plans. The forces allegedly stormed the premises, arrested workers, and deployed tear gas to disperse those present.
“The criminals under the command of one Asiimwe deployed early morning, arrested our workers, and threw tear gas into our premises. They’ve cordoned off the premises and blocked all people from accessing the place,” Kyagulanyi wrote.
Among those reportedly arrested were Saava Peter, Mudenya Samson, and Turyasingura Samson. Kyagulanyi claimed the detained workers were subjected to beatings and interrogated about their political affiliations, with security operatives labeling them as terrorists.
“These JATT operatives asked the workers who they support politically, branding them terrorists and criminals—their only crime being that they work with us. You can imagine the indignity!” Kyagulanyi lamented.
This incident adds to the growing tension in Uganda’s political climate, where opposition parties frequently accuse the government of stifling dissent. Despite the challenges, Kyagulanyi ended his statement with a message of defiance and optimism, proclaiming, “UGANDA WILL BE FREE.”
NUP Gathering Disrupted: Kyagulanyi Alleges Security Force Harassment and Arrests
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Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum
Sudan has demanded an official apology from Uganda over “offensive and dangerous” comments made by the chief of Uganda army staff, who threated to invade Khartoum, the Sudan Tribune has reported.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and CDF of the Ugandan army, posted two comments on the X platform on Tuesday in which he threatened “to capture Khartoum” with the support of the US President elect Donald Trump after he takes office. The posts were deleted later.
“The government of Sudan demands and official apology from the Ugandan government for the offensive and dangerous comments of the army commander,” Sudan’s foreign ministry said in a statement that the Sudan Tribune said it has seen.
Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum