Uganda Airlines has strengthened its commitment to aviation safety and environmental sustainability by spearheading a community cleanup at Kigungu Landing Site, a lakeside settlement directly behind Entebbe International Airport.
This effort is a crucial part of the airline’s Flight Path Sustainability Project, launched to address the growing threat of bird strikes through better waste management and public engagement.
With over 7,000 residents, most of whom rely on fishing for survival, Kigungu plays a vital role in Entebbe’s local economy. But its proximity to the airport, combined with poor waste disposal practices, has made it a breeding ground for scavenger birds such as marabou storks and kites—species known to wander into aircraft flight paths. These birds are attracted by garbage piles of fish remains and domestic waste, creating a significant aviation hazard, especially during takeoff and landing.
“Keeping the environment clean is not just about hygiene—it’s about saving lives and protecting our national airline,” Shakilah Rahim Lamar, Head of Corporate Affairs and Public Relations, Uganda Airlines
Rahim Lamar emphasized that while Entebbe’s proximity to bird-rich habitats like Mabamba Bay makes some bird activity inevitable, human negligence, especially indiscriminate dumping, intensifies the danger.
Bird strikes are a global aviation risk, costing the airline industry billions annually in delays, maintenance, and safety responses. In Entebbe’s case, several incidents have already led to flight delays, increased repair costs, and even temporary aircraft groundings, a financial and reputational burden Uganda Airlines can no longer ignore.
On Monday 16 January 2023, a Uganda Airlines flight en route to Johannesburg was forced to abort its journey after experiencing a bird strike shortly after takeoff from Entebbe International Airport. Flight UR-710 was hit at 4:48 pm by two Barn Swallows, small migratory birds, prompting the pilot to circle in Ugandan airspace for over an hour before making a safe landing at 6:23 pm. According to the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), the aircraft later resumed its journey at 7:53 pm and returned safely to Entebbe the following morning at 5:02 am.
This incident comes just days after a similar episode involving Turkish Airlines flight TK606, which also had to abort takeoff following a bird strike. The Airbus A330 spent over an hour flying over Kampala and Entebbe to burn fuel before safely landing.
While bird strikes are typically minor, experts warn that they can cause serious damage to forward-facing parts of the aircraft, including the windscreen, nose cone, and engines—especially when larger birds are involved.
On March 29, 2025, Uganda Airlines staff, local leaders, schoolchildren, and Kigungu residents came together to clear plastic waste, household trash, and other debris littering public spaces. Beyond just picking up garbage, the event also raised awareness about the consequences of poor sanitation and emphasized the importance of sustainable alternatives such as recycling and reusing materials.
“The waste here is attracting birds, and that puts everyone at risk. “We need long-term solutions that turn waste into something useful,” Kigungu, a local leader, said.
Launched in November 2022, the Flight Path Sustainability Project is not just about keeping the skies safe, it’s about transforming communities on the ground. With the intention of reducing bird populations around Entebbe International Airport by 40%, the initiative targets the root causes of bird congregation, such as poor waste management, while fostering community empowerment.
Through community-led waste management programs, economic opportunities in recycling and upcycling, and monthly cleanups, the project aims to drive long-term behavioral change. Uganda Airlines has further demonstrated its commitment by pledging to lead cleanups in Kigungu every last Saturday of the month, signaling that this is more than a one-off campaign; it’s an enduring investment in both environmental sustainability and aviation safety.
“Through this initiative, we aim to support the community in adopting sustainable waste management practices, including the reuse, repurposing, and recycling of their waste,” Shakilah Rahim Lamar said.
Uganda Airlines envisions a multi-stakeholder model, involving not just residents but also local government councils, environmental authorities, and aviation regulators. This collaborative approach is essential for maintaining aviation safety, protecting public health, and creating livelihood opportunities in one of Uganda’s most strategic locations.
