Montreal, Canada: The Republic of Uganda has been elected to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Council, marking a historic milestone for the country’s aviation industry and cementing its growing influence on the global stage.
The election took place during the ongoing 42nd Session of the ICAO Assembly in Montreal, Canada, where 192 Member States cast their votes. Uganda secured a resounding 155 out of 185 votes, a strong endorsement of its aviation record and international reputation. Uganda will now serve on the ICAO Council for the term 2025–2028.
The Ugandan delegation to the Assembly was led by Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, who was accompanied by Ambassador Allan Kajik, Uganda’s High Commissioner to Canada, Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) Director General Fred Bamwesigye, and senior officials from both the Ministry and UCAA.
Speaking shortly after the announcement, Gen. Katumba described the victory as “a vote of confidence in Uganda’s aviation leadership and a testament to our continued commitment to international safety and security standards.”
Why This Victory Matters
The ICAO Council is the highest decision-making body of the United Nations’ specialized aviation agency. It is responsible for formulating global aviation standards and recommended practices, including safety oversight, security protocols, environmental sustainability, and the liberalization of international air transport.
Uganda’s election means the country will have a direct voice in shaping the rules that govern civil aviation worldwide. This provides opportunities to influence policies that support Uganda’s growing aviation sector, including Entebbe International Airport’s expansion, regional connectivity projects, and Uganda Airlines’ strategic ambitions.
The victory also comes at a time when Uganda Airlines is expanding its international routes and working to establish itself as a key carrier in Africa. Analysts believe Uganda’s new role on the ICAO Council will boost investor confidence and open more avenues for international cooperation in training, infrastructure, and air services agreements.
Uganda will now serve alongside other elected Member States in crafting aviation policies and responding to emerging challenges such as cybersecurity, climate change, drone regulation, and the growing demand for air transport in developing economies.
The 2025–2028 term promises to be crucial, as ICAO addresses post-pandemic recovery, climate sustainability targets, and technological disruptions reshaping global aviation. Uganda’s seat ensures that the country’s perspective, and by extension, Africa’s voice, will be represented in these high-level decisions.
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