Uganda Airlines has launched the flight path sustainability project, a groundbreaking waste management initiative designed to enhance aviation safety and support environmental sustainability around Entebbe International Airport.
This initiative, which aligns with the mission of ensuring safety in the skies, is set to mitigate bird strikes and foster sustainable practices within the surrounding communities.
Bird strikes pose a significant challenge to global aviation, costing the industry an estimated $1.2 billion annually as they occur primarily during takeoff and landing, with up to 90% happening near airports.
On Thursday, officials said the national carrier which operates from Entebbe International Airport, located near the bird-rich Mabamba Bay is no exception to bird strikes, having recorded 21 of these as of June 2024.
Uganda Airlines CEO, Jenifer Bamuturaki reaffirmed the national carrier’s commitment to aviation safety and environmental stewardship.”
“Bird strikes pose a serious challenge to aviation globally, and Entebbe International Airport is no exception. This project aims to reduce bird concentrations near our flight paths by 40%, ensuring safer skies for all. We are not just addressing safety; we are also taking a holistic approach to environmental conservation by protecting the Mabamba Bay ecosystem and promoting sustainable waste management practices,” Bamuturaki said.
“This initiative is about collaboration. We are working with key stakeholders, including local communities, to foster behavior change and support innovative recycling solutions such as repurposing fish scales as industrial raw materials.”
She said by supporting women fish traders along Lake Victoria’s shores, they aim to uplift livelihoods and improve sanitation in Kigungu and the surrounding areas.
“The Flight Path Sustainability Project is a testament to our dedication to not only advancing aviation but also contributing to Uganda’s broader sustainability goals.”
The Mayor of Entebbe Municipality, Fabrice Rulinda commended Uganda Airlines for the initiative which he said directly addresses critical challenges in Entebbe.
“Kigungu and other parts of Entebbe Municipality have long faced waste management challenges. This project provides an opportunity to transform how we manage waste in our community. The partnership between Uganda Airlines and our community will help reduce bird strikes, enhancing the safety of flights and protecting our local ecosystem in Mabamba Bay,” Rulinda said.
“Supporting women fish traders and improving hygiene practices will lead to significant improvements in the quality of life for residents in Kigungu and beyond.”
He said Entebbe Municipality is committed to working with Uganda Airlines and other stakeholders to ensure this project achieves its goals of creating a cleaner and safer environment for both our community and aviation.
“Let us all embrace this project with open hearts and minds, knowing it is not only about safety in the skies but also about sustainability and development for Entebbe Municipality.”
The Uganda Airlines head of PR and communication, Shakila Rahim Lamar described the initiative as one about tackling the root causes of bird strikes by addressing waste management challenges in communities near Entebbe Airport.
“We recognize that spur-winged geese and other birds are drawn to improperly disposed fish waste. Our solution is to minimize this attraction through sustainable waste practices. Public awareness is a key component of this project. We will engage the Kigungu community and the Municipality to inspire a culture of recycling, reusing, and reselling waste materials,” she said.
She said their efforts will also focus on improving sanitation in the Kigungu area, benefiting the over 2,000 residents who rely on Lake Victoria for their livelihoods.
“This project demonstrates Uganda Airlines’ commitment to corporate social responsibility by combining aviation safety with community and environmental well-being. We are proud to lead this initiative and hope to inspire similar collaborations across the aviation industry and beyond.”
