Civil Aviation Authority and airport security, safety in Uganda: a case of Entebbe international airport.

Abstract

The study examined CAA and Airport safety and security using a case of Entebbe International Airport. The study used three specific objectives and these include: To examine the threats to airport security at Entebbe International Airport. To examine the role of Uganda Civil Aviation Authority in achieving airport security at Entebbe International Airport. To examine the major challenges encountered by Uganda Civil Aviation Authority in conducting effective airport security at EIA. The study used a population of 250 staff from UCAA and a sample of 154 respondents was selected using Neumann’s formula (2000), but only 133 respondents participated in the study. Descriptive research design was used and both qualitative and quantitative research approaches were used. Data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, Pearson Correlation, Coefficient, Model Summary and Anova. Multiple regression analysis indicates that R = .783; significance level was found. Hypothesis tested proved that there is a significant relationship between UCAA and Airport Security at Entebbe International Airport. Study findings revealed that UCAA expect threats to airport security; it was also revealed that UCAA is still encountering major challenges in conducting effective airport security at Entebbe International Airport. The study concluded that AVSEC Unit to be responsible for ensuring compliance with and implementation of the security regulations by the aviation industry players, reviewing existing and new aviation security programmes and aviation security training programmes for air operators, air navigation service providers, AVSEC training organizations, AVSEC instructors, contracted security providers, known consignors and other aviation security stakeholders. The study recommends that UCAA should recruit more personnel to cover the existing manpower gaps and improve on efficiency. The Aviation Security should also be equipped with modern NBC equipment and training, security personnel to counter the nuclear biological chemical (NBC) threats. UCAA should also purchase advanced backscatter X-ray scanners and millimetre wave scanners because both are full body scanners used in the screening area of airports across the world. These should have capabilities of detecting ingested drugs in passengers and any suspected persons.