Uganda airport receives hi tech anti-terror equipment from UK
The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority has received state of the art specialized equipment from the UK government to help it deal with the threats of terrorism
The equipment which included x ray and metal detector scanners were handed to the authority by the British High Commission in Uganda who emphasized the UK’s commitment to improving aviation security in Uganda while mitigating against threats of international terrorism. The hi-tech equipment will also ensure that the airports x-ray machines are properly functioning.
The UK government will also train airport security personnel by mapping out all the areas prone to attacks, especially the islands on Lake Victoria and its neighbouring areas. The Managing Director of the Civil Aviation Authority, Wenceslaus Makuza said that the main threat is the man-portable anti-aircraft weapons which some terrorists use and that the new equipment would ensure that flights that land and takeoff from Uganda airports are secure and safe.
“This is yet another milestone in the excellent relationship between the Government and Peoples of United Kingdom and Uganda,” said Makuza.
The United Kingdom gave 75 big X ray trays, 35 small X ray trays, 2 stand test pieces for x-ray machines, 1 walk through metal detector test piece and I hand held metal detector among other equipments. “We’re grateful for the donation to Entebbe International Airport of two explosive trace detection systems, their accessories, consumables and regular service. Donation of X-ray screening point trays, which were handed over to us by the British High Commissioner Alison Blackburne herself,” said Makuza.
He said the UK government has donated Counter Terrorism Training Kits, material and equipment, training courses in various areas of aviation security full sponsored by the UK government in Uganda, the region and UK for Uganda’s security management, supervisors, instructors, crisis managers, risk managers, screeners and inspectors.
The UK government also conducted security audits and inspections at Entebbe International Airport and British Airways inspectors that helped the airport to close security gaps periodically identified.
