By Sadique Bamwita
ENTEBBE
The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) on October 22, 2024, acquired two modern fire fighting trucks that can swiftly help in extinguishing fire in the event of a fire outbreak at Entebbe International Airport.
The Minister for works and transport, Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala who commissioned the two fire fighting trucks revealed that the move followed two back-to back audits by the international Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) which recommended the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority to procure modern fire trucks with capacity of 24,300 liters required for an international airport.
“The acquired two fire fighting trucks are hoped to improve aviation safety hence good customer experience for airport users. Recently Uganda successfully went through two international safety and security audits and the acquisition of these two fire fighting trucks is a clear indication that we are implementing corrective action plans in preparation for future audits, which check on the level of compliance with international standards and recommended practices.
‘The two fire fighting trucks are in fulfillment of the recommendation required by the International Civil Aviation Organization for all international airports. These fire trucks will go a long way to ensure Entebbe international airport maintains or surpasses the international fire category 9 which requires an international airport to have fire trucks with capacity of 24,300 liters of water load in the wheel, “Gen. Katumba explained.
Gen. Katumba, who also inspected the fire and rescue department at Entebbe International Airport believes that the two fire fighting trucks will go a long way to respond to any fire emergency regardless of the magnitude of the fire outbreak.
“The two new trucks have special features such as specialized chassis and ability to carry heavy loads of water and foam. One of the trucks Tango 21 has carrying capacity of 12,500 liters of water and 1,500 liters of foam while tango 22 has carrying capacity of 10,500 liters of water and high reach extendable turrets meant for piercing the aircraft body in case of any emergency.
‘The two trucks have a foam induction system that draws foam directly from the drums. Besides this, they have great performance with a throw range of 100 meters. In order to maintain the operating category 9 for Entebbe international airport, the regulation requires having 24,300 liters of water on wheels. The two acquired trucks have a combined capacity of 23,000 liters yet we have other fire trucks in place implying that the chances of the fire category 9 going below the recommended level are now highly minimized for our air sector, ‘Gen. Katumba explained further.’
The Director General Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), Fred Bamwesigye, revealed that a total of 72 aerodrome rescue and fire fighters undertook 2 week training on how to operate and maintain the two acquired fire fighting trucks.
“The trainees were equipped with skills to drive, operate and maintain the fire trucks. As per today, the aviation industry is experiencing tremendous growth as seen in the increasing number of aircraft movements and passengers thus the need to equip our manpower with professional skills to deal with emergencies.
‘Due to technological advancement, fire fighting and rescue operations become more complex and challenging hence there is a need to equip our manpower with the necessary skills to match the emerging technologies in fire and marine operations in order to deal with any eventuality that may occur at Entebbe International airport.
‘The authority will continue to invest heavily in research, equipment and staff training to meet the required safety , security, response timelines and standards and recommended practices as stipulated by the International Civil Aviation Organization(ICAO).
“We previously acquired new fire fighting boats and other equipment and our staff is regularly trained and equipped with skills in water fire fighting and rescue services. Currently, Entebbe International Airport is equipped with professional personnel and modern equipment to respond to any emergency, ‘Mr. Bamwesigye disclosed.’
Mr. Bamwesigye also gave an update on the upgrade and expansion of Entebbe International Airport saying currently it stands at 94%.
“Overall progress stands at 94% and the pending project which is the new terminal building, a sub-component of the project stands at 74% and it’s expected to be completed by the end of this year, ‘Mr.Bamwesigye gave an update.
The Director Airports and Aviation Security, Eng. Al-Hajj Ayub Sooma says the acquisition of the two modern fire fighting trucks enables Entebbe International Airport to be in position to counter any serious fire incidents at the airport.
The manager marketing and commercial services at Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), Marvin Kagoro, said in order to enhance revenue collection at Entebbe International Airport, rates for both aeronautical and non aeronautical services were revised. He explained that these rates were fixed in 2009 and that based on the principle of cost recovery, there was a need to revise the rates to catch up with the inflationary trends except for seasonal parkers like airport taxi drivers whose rates were retained.
