education 27 March 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
EACAA Soroti Faces Funding Shortfall Amid Graduation of 53 Aviation Students
The East African Civil Aviation Academy in Soroti graduated 53 students despite severe funding constraints that limit operations and growth. Officials called for government support and urged graduates to innovate in the aviation sector. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/uganda-aviation-academy-flags-funding-crisis-as-53-graduate-5405558
The East African Civil Aviation Academy (EACAA) in Soroti City held its third graduation ceremony on March 27, 2026, awarding certificates to 53 students amid ongoing financial difficulties.
The graduates included 21 in aircraft maintenance diplomas, eight in flight operations certificates, and 24 in integrated pilot training. Col. Ronald Turyamubona, the academy director, highlighted how shortages in funds for fuel, spare parts, insurance, and maintenance are disrupting operations and preventing more graduations.
Turyamubona called for a dedicated budget vote for the academy and urged the Ministry of Works and Transport to secure infrastructure funding. He advised graduates to leverage online resources, pursue continuous learning, and drive industry innovations through research.
Robert Ntambi, the aviation commissioner, confirmed the ministry’s awareness of the issues, including spare parts shortages, and noted delays in East African Community decisions on the academy’s ownership. He assured that a resolution would enable independent funding.
Retired Deputy Chief Justice Steven J.B. Kavuma, representing the minister, encouraged the new aviators to apply their skills for safer, more efficient regional air transport and to keep learning in a competitive field.
Outstanding graduate Gabriel Emadit, who joined in 2019 for his commercial pilot license, overcame COVID-19 disruptions, instructor shortages, aircraft issues, and weather challenges. Retained as an instructor, he fulfilled his childhood dream. Training head Captain Frank Mulindwa advised pursuing management qualifications for career advancement.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)