Uganda Airlines has intensified efforts to reduce bird strike incidents at Entebbe International Airport by engaging residents of Kigungu Landing Site in a community cleanup exercise.
The initiative is part of the airline’s ongoing Flight Path Sustainability Project. The program seeks to minimize bird-related aviation hazards by promoting better waste management and environmental awareness in communities near the airport.
Kigungu, a densely populated lakeside area with over 7,000 residents, is a major concern due to its proximity to the airport and persistent garbage disposal issues.
The accumulation of fish remains and household waste in the area has created a feeding ground for scavenger birds such as marabou storks and kites. These birds frequently fly into aircraft paths, increasing the risk of bird strikes during takeoff and landing.
“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 noted that Entebbe's location near bird-rich habitats like Mabamba Bay makes it naturally prone to bird activity. However, she emphasized that improper waste disposal around the airport significantly worsens the threat. The airport has recorded several bird strike incidents, which have led to flight delays, expensive maintenance, and aircraft groundings.
The cleanup event brought together Uganda Airlines staff, local leaders, schoolchildren, and Kigungu residents. Volunteers collected plastic waste, cleared public spaces, and educated the community about the dangers of indiscriminate dumping.
The event also encouraged sustainable practices such as recycling and repurposing waste to reduce environmental harm.
“The waste here is attracting birds, and that puts everyone at risk,” a local leader said. “We need long-term solutions that turn waste into something useful.”
Launched in November 2022, the Flight Path Sustainability Project aims to cut bird populations around the airport by 40%. It also promotes community-driven waste management solutions that create income-generating opportunities through recycling and upcycling.
“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 has pledged to organize the Kigungu cleanup on the last Saturday of every month. The airline believes that collaboration with local councils, government agencies, and residents is essential for maintaining a safe and sustainable environment around the airport.
