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Gen. Katumba Wamala, Minister of Works and Transport, commissioned two new state-of-the-art fire trucks at Entebbe International Airport. These specialized vehicles enhance the airport’s emergency response capabilities, with water and foam carrying capacities designed to meet international fire safety standards.

State-of-the-Art Fire Trucks at Entebbe International Airport.

The Minister of Works and Transport, General Katumba Wamala, has officially commissioned new fire trucks at Entebbe International Airport.

“Uganda has recently successfully undergone two consecutive international safety and security audits and is currently implementing corrective action plans in preparation for future assessments. These audits evaluate our level of compliance with international standards and recommended practices. I am pleased to note that the acquisition of these two fire trucks will significantly contribute to maintaining and potentially surpassing Entebbe International Airport’s current fire category 9 status. The new vehicles are equipped with specialized features, including a custom-designed chassis and the capability to carry substantial quantities of water and foam. The first truck, Tango 21, can hold 12,500 liters of water and 1,500 liters of foam, while the second truck, Tango 22, has a capacity of 10,500 liters of water and is equipped with high-reach extendable turrets, designed for piercing the aircraft body if necessary. Both vehicles are fitted with foam induction systems that extract foam directly from drums. Furthermore, they have an impressive performance, with a throw range of 100 meters. To sustain the required fire category 9 rating, regulations stipulate that 24,300 liters of water must be available on wheels. These two new trucks collectively provide 23,000 liters, complementing the existing fire trucks, thereby significantly minimizing the risk of the fire category falling below the recommended level. This is excellent news for the aviation industry,” General Katumba Wamala remarked during the launch.

The Director General of the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) further highlighted that the Authority had recently procured two state-of-the-art foam tenders, which were commissioned by the Minister of Works and Transport. These Falcon 6×6 specialized chassis fire trucks were supplied by East African Distributors Ltd., part of the Madhvani Group, which is the exclusive distributor of NAFFCO products in Uganda.

Fred Bamwesigye, Director General of UCAA, noted that a total of 72 Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting personnel had recently completed a two-week training program on the operation, driving, and maintenance of these new foam tenders.

He emphasized that the comprehensive training equipped the staff with essential skills to manage these vehicles effectively.

Bamwesigye further noted that Uganda’s aviation industry is experiencing significant growth, reflected in the increasing number of aircraft movements and passengers. This growth underscores the necessity for continuous improvement in professional skills, particularly to handle emergencies effectively. As the aviation industry evolves with advancements in technology, firefighting and rescue operations become increasingly complex and challenging. Thus, it is crucial to train and equip personnel with the requisite knowledge and skills to handle such challenges in fire and marine operations at the airport.

The Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Katumba Wamala in a conversation with Uganda Civil Aviation Authority officials

“The Authority remains committed to investing in research, equipment, and staff training to meet the required safety and security standards, response times, and the Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) as outlined by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). UCAA has previously acquired new firefighting boats and other equipment, along with providing regular training to staff in water firefighting and rescue missions. Currently, the airport is equipped with both professional personnel and modern equipment capable of responding to any emergency,” said Bamwesigye.

In his briefing to the Minister, Bamwesigye added that “substantial progress has been made in the upgrade and expansion project at Entebbe International Airport. As of now, the overall project completion stands at… percent. Specifically, the new terminal building, which is the major pending component of the project, is currently at… percent completion and is expected to be finalized by the end of this year.”