Her Majesty’s British Government trains Ugandan Security Organs officials on MANPADS and drones
One of our development partners, the United Kingdom, carried out training for Ugandan security organs’ and civil aviation authority security officers in counter MANPADS (Man Portable Air Defence Systems) from 21st – 23rd June 2016 in Entebbe.
The 3-day training, organised by the ‘Regional Aviation Security Liaison Office’ (RASLO) at the British High Commission in Nairobi, was conducted by experts from the UK Department for Transport, Metropolitan Police, and Ministry of Defence. Apart from training the security officers in counter MANPADS, the team also made an overview on the rising threat of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) or drones as they are commonly known by the general public. The training attracted officers from Uganda Peoples Defence Forces, Uganda Peoples Airforce, Uganda Anti-Terrorism Police, Intelligence Security Services and Uganda Civil Aviation Authority. CASSOA also attended the sessions on observer status, represented by the Executive Director.
The workshop aimed at providing practical information on identifying and mitigating hot spots around the airport in order to enhance aviation security at Entebbe International Airport, and also introduction of threats posed by RPAS. The Uganda CAA Director for Safety, Security and Economic Regulation; Mr. Sam Muneeza, represented the Managing Director and CEO of Uganda CAA at the closing ceremony. While closing the workshop, Mr. Muneeza reiterated Uganda CAA’s appreciation to the continued support to Uganda in the field of enhancing aviation security by Her Majesty’s government.
He congratulated the participants on the successful completion of the training and urged them to put into practice the knowledge they had acquired.
On their part, the British team praised Uganda for the water-tight security measures put in place in order to counter MANPADS attacks. The participants were awarded certificates of attendance and also introduced to the new British High Commission RASLO, Mr. Jonathan Hart, following the expiry of the term for Ms. Vicky Hutchinson. The Ugandan team expressed their appreciation for the milestones achieved in aviation security during Ms. Vicky Hutchinson’s tenure at the Nairobi RASLO and wished her success in her next endeavours.
CASSOA, Entebbe
July 2016