Kampala, Uganda | Uganda will host the 2027 International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers’ Associations (IFATCA) Global Conference, a major international event expected to attract more than 600 aviation professionals from 132 countries.
The confirmation was delivered by the Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, through the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority’s Deputy Director General, Ms. Olive Birungi Lumonya, during the 36th IFATCA Africa and Middle East Regional Meeting, held from 3–5 November 2025 in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
Uganda won the bid to host the event during the 2025 IFATCA Global Conference in Abu Dhabi, further cementing its position as a growing player in the global aviation industry.
Ms. Lumonya, speaking on behalf of the Minister, noted that the theme of the regional meeting, “Policy Leadership for a Safer Sky: Advancing Strategic Human Capital Development in Air Traffic Management,” served as a reminder that, even with increasing automation and technological advancement, human expertise continues to be the foundation of aviation safety.
She explained that Uganda is investing heavily in human resource development through training programmes for air traffic controllers, the acquisition of modern navigation systems, and regional collaboration.
She added that the government was also improving aviation infrastructure, enhancing search and rescue operations, and strengthening partnerships to align Uganda’s aviation sector with global standards.
Gen. Katumba, who serves as the patron of the Uganda Air Traffic Controllers’ Association (UGATCA), was praised for offering consistent guidance and mentorship to the association’s members.
His leadership and experience in governance and transport management were said to have greatly contributed to the sector’s growth and readiness to host such a global conference.
The 2027 IFATCA Global Conference is expected to elevate Uganda’s profile as a regional aviation hub and provide opportunities for knowledge exchange, professional networking, and tourism development.
For over six decades, IFATCA has represented the interests of air traffic controllers across the world, promoting professionalism, cooperation, and the highest standards of aviation safety.
Uganda’s selection to host the 2027 global conference marks a significant milestone in the country’s aviation journey and reflects international confidence in its capabilities.
