Uganda Airlines has reaffirmed its commitment to aviation safety and environmental sustainability by leading a community cleanup at Kigungu Landing Site, located just behind Entebbe International Airport. The initiative is part of the airline’s broader Flight Path Sustainability Project, aimed at reducing bird strike risks through improved waste management and public awareness.
Kigungu, a lakeside community with over 7,000 residents—most of whom depend on fishing—is a key area of focus due to its proximity to the airport and persistent waste disposal challenges. The accumulation of garbage, particularly fish remains and household waste, has created a feeding ground for scavenger birds like marabou storks and kites, which frequently wander into aircraft flight paths. This poses a significant safety hazard during takeoffs and landings.
“Keeping the environment clean is not just about hygiene it’s about saving lives and protecting our national airline,” said Shakilah Rahim Lamar, Head of Corporate Affairs and Public Relations at Uganda Airlines.
She emphasized that Entebbe, being close to bird-rich areas like Mabamba Bay, naturally attracts birds, but the problem is worsened by improper waste disposal around the airport. Bird strikes have been a global aviation challenge, and Entebbe is no exception having recorded multiple incidents that caused flight delays, increased maintenance costs, and even aircraft grounding.
The cleanup, conducted on Saturday, March 29, brought together Uganda Airlines staff, local leaders, schoolchildren, and Kigungu residents. Volunteers cleared public spaces, collected plastic waste, and raised awareness about the risks associated with indiscriminate dumping. The event also promoted alternatives like recycling and reusing waste to create value and reduce environmental impact.
“The waste here is attracting birds, and that puts everyone at risk,” a local leader noted. “We need long-term solutions that turn waste into something useful.”
The Flight Path Sustainability Project, launched in November 2022, aims to reduce bird populations around the airport by 40%. Beyond cleanup activities, the project promotes community-led waste management solutions that provide economic opportunities through recycling and upcycling initiatives. Uganda Airlines has committed to holding the Kigungu clean-up on the last Saturday of every month.
“Through this initiative, we aim to support the community in adopting sustainable waste management practices, including the reuse, repurposing, and recycling of their waste,” Rahim Lamar added.
Uganda Airlines believes that a multi-stakeholder approach bringing together government agencies, local councils, and residents is key to ensuring a safe and sustainable environment around the airport. With community involvement at its core, the airline is confident the project will enhance both aviation safety and local livelihoods.
