The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has assured Parliament that redesigns are being implemented on the drainage system of Entebbe International Airport to prevent future flooding incidents. This follows recent floods that caused significant damage to passengers’ property.
Eng. Ayub Sooma, Director of Airports and Aviation Security at the CAA, provided this assurance while appearing before the Committee of Commissions, Statutory Authorities, and State Enterprises (COSASE). During the session, Members of Parliament expressed their concerns about the severe flooding that disrupted operations at the airport in April 2024 and questioned the CAA on the measures being taken to prevent a recurrence.
Sooma attributed the flooding to ongoing construction works at the airport, aimed at upgrading its infrastructure to accommodate the increasing traffic of vehicles.
Allan Mayanja, MP for Nakaseke Central, raised the issue, asking, “Recently, we saw floods that damaged people’s properties. This portrays a negative image of our nation. Can you clarify what happened and how you are addressing it?”
In response, Martin Muzaale, MP for Buzaaya County, expressed dissatisfaction with the explanation regarding the rainfall volumes. He pointed out that the airport, situated at a higher altitude, should be less prone to flooding and suggested that improved drainage designs could mitigate the issue.
Fred Bamwesigye, Director General of the CAA, concurred with Muzaale, confirming that redesign efforts are already underway to address the drainage challenges.