(Posted 18th September 2025)
Boeing joined forces with Cranfield University, the East African Community Civil Aviation Safety and Security Oversight Agency (EAC-CASSOA) and the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority to host a three-day
Regulatory Excellence workshop in Entebbe, Uganda.
Civil aviation regulators from Kenya, Rwanda, Somali, South Sudan and Uganda, the
Uganda Ministry of Works and Transport, and Uganda’s carriers participated in
interactive sessions designed to foster knowledge exchange and further enhance
aviation safety across East Africa.
“East Africa is setting an example of how a harmonized regulatory system can support
compliance, safety and efficiency of air transportation across borders,” said Kayode
Ariwodola, Boeing Director of Safety and Regulatory Affairs for Africa and the Middle
East. “We are proud of this collaborative workshop, which created a platform for
regulators to exchange expertise and strengthen collective capacity”.
Richard Gatete, Executive Director of the East African Community Civil Aviation Safety
and Security Oversight Agency, said: “The topics of the workshop reflected the reality
that aviation is rapidly evolving, shaped by emerging technologies such as uncrewed
aircraft systems (UAS), artificial intelligence for predictive maintenance, digital oversight platforms, and green technologies to reduce emissions at airports. Regulators must therefore anticipate these changes, providing frameworks that enable innovation while ensuring safety, security and sustainability”.
Fred Bamwesigye, Director General of the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority, added: “I
extend our sincere appreciation to Boeing, Cranfield University, and EAC-CASSOA for
co-organizing this program, and to all partner states and stakeholders for their
collaboration. Let us continue to embody the spirit of excellence, in the way we regulate,
in the way we collaborate, and in the way we innovate, because the growth of aviation
in Africa depends on the ability to uphold the highest standards while embracing
change.”
Developed and delivered by subject matter experts from Cranfield University and
Boeing, the program offered a forum to share best practices on stakeholder
engagement, safety management systems (SMS), accident investigation, emergency
response, certification, navigating disruption and managing change, including
introducing new aircraft systems. Its collaborative format promoted peer exchange and
further strengthened cohesiveness and resilience across East Africa’s aviation
ecosystem.
Dr. Fabian Steinmann, lecturer at Cranfield School of Management, said: “At Cranfield
University, we work closely with aviation organizations worldwide, and we have
integrated our insights and best practices into this program. It was great to see the
enthusiasm and commitment of the delegates as they work on EAC-CASSOA’s mission
to enhance safety and security oversight systems across all partner states by
harmonizing civil aviation standards.”
The workshop in Uganda is a continuation of Boeing’s partnership with African
stakeholders to jointly promote safety and improve intraregional connectivity. The
program leveraged the expertise of Cranfield University and the Boeing Global Learning
Institute, which was established in 2018 to support Boeing operators and partners
globally through learning and talent development. Boeing and Cranfield University
regularly collaborate with African carriers to offer airline employees tailored programs in
safety, airline economics, and leadership.
