By Namuli N Racheal
The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) has officially commissioned two state-of-the-art fire trucks to bolster safety measures at Entebbe International Airport. This initiative aligns with international safety regulations set forth by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), emphasizing the importance of robust firefighting capabilities at global airports.
The commissioning ceremony took place today, led by Minister of Works and Transport Gen. Katumba Wamala. He announced that the fire trucks, acquired at a cost of 10 billion Ugandan shillings and supplied by the East African distributors of the Madhvani Group, are essential for maintaining safety standards.
Named Tango 21 and Tango 22, the new fire trucks boast impressive capacities, with Tango 21 holding 12,500 liters of water and Tango 22 carrying 10,500 liters. Both trucks are equipped with advanced performance features, including a throw range of up to 100 meters.
As UCAA continues with the airport’s expansion, which began in 2015 and is expected to last until 2035, the authority reports that the first phase of the project is currently 94% complete. Significant developments in this phase include the construction of a new cargo center, upgraded runways, and enhanced arrival and departure terminals, along with expanded parking facilities.
However, the expansion comes alongside newly introduced parking fees that have raised eyebrows among the public. Starting November 1, short-stay salon car parking fees will increase from 2,000 to 5,000 Ugandan shillings, while minibuses will see a rise from 5,000 to 8,000 shillings. Lorries will now incur a fee of 10,000 shillings. Long-term parking rates will also change, with the first day costing 30,000 shillings and subsequent days at 10,000 shillings each.
The commissioning of the fire trucks and the expansion plans underscore UCAA’s commitment to ensuring the safety and efficiency of operations at Entebbe International Airport, catering to the growing needs of travelers and enhancing the overall airport experience.
