Entebbe, Uganda: The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) has unveiled two new state-of-the-art fire trucks at Entebbe International Airport to strengthen aviation safety and emergency response capacity.
The fire engines, designated Tango 21 and Tango 22, were officially commissioned by the Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Katumba Wamala, during a ceremony held on Wednesday, October 22, 2024.
According to UCAA, Tango 21 has a capacity of 12,500 liters of water and 1,500 liters of foam, while Tango 22 carries 10,500 liters of water. Both vehicles are equipped with high-reach extendable turrets capable of piercing aircraft fuselages during rescue operations.
The acquisition positions Entebbe Airport to comfortably maintain its International Fire Category 9 status, which requires firefighting units to have at least 24,300 liters of water on standby. The new trucks provide a combined capacity of 23,000 liters, complementing existing resources to meet the threshold.
Speaking at the event, UCAA Director General Fred Bamwesigye said the authority had invested heavily not just in equipment but also in human resource development, confirming that 72 staff members have undergone specialized training to operate and maintain the new firefighting assets.
“This acquisition demonstrates our commitment to upholding international aviation safety standards as traffic through Entebbe continues to grow,” Bamwesigye said.
Minister Katumba Wamala commended UCAA for consistently prioritizing aviation safety, noting that the trucks bolster ongoing efforts under the airport expansion project, which is nearing completion.
“These trucks are not just assets—they are a necessity for Uganda’s positioning in global aviation. Safety comes first, especially as we prepare for more traffic with our new terminal building,” Katumba said.
UCAA has been progressively upgrading its firefighting capacity, having previously procured firefighting boats and other rescue equipment as part of a wider safety enhancement strategy.
The improvements come at a time when Uganda’s aviation sector is undergoing frequent audits to ensure compliance with international regulations amid rising aircraft movements and passenger volumes.
If you would like your article/opinion to be published on Uganda’s most authoritative news platform, send your submission on: [email protected]. You can also follow DailyExpress on WhatsApp and on Twitter (X) for realtime updates.
