A notice by the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) banning the taking of photos and the capturing of videos at the Entebbe International Airport has left Ugandans talking and cursing.
A notice by UCAA Management read: ‘Capturing videos and taking photos is prohibited.’ Once the photo of the notice circulated online, UCAA responded with a clarification, saying the prohibition was for operational restricted and sensitive areas with in the terminal building.
“This is to clarify that the reminder message restricting photography and filming relates ONLY to operational restricted/sensitive areas within the terminal building (such as security screening areas and equipment, among other sensitive areas),” read the statement in part.
“Even journalists who access the terminal building for official coverage go through a formal clearance process before taking photos and videos of specific areas/activities. Recently, some people had adopted a practice of filming the security screening process and equipment.”
The Civil Aviation Authority further noted. “We are committed to implementing measures for a better passenger experience, but airport security and safety of all will not be compromised. However, selfies and other memorable video moments may be undertaken in the pre-boarding and duty free area after the last security check or at the land-side before accessing the security restricted area.”
But for most people, the statement did not clarify much but rather further complicated an already complicated issue. To these people, the move was meant to shield airport staff asking for bribes and making life difficult for travellers. Here are some of the reactions to UCAA’s move:
Joke of the year. After being exposed you now think about prohibiting photos and videos at the airport!! Shameless people!! Nowhere at any airport in the world do they do this apart from Uganda with an ugly airport hiding injustices!! Shame on you! – Sheilah C Gashumba @SheilahGashumba
You can’t be fighting Extortion at the Airport and go ahead to prohibit people from taking photos and videos. UCAA we can do better. – Culton Scovia Nakamya @CultonScovia
Shame on you Uganda CAA. We shall record those videos and expose your incompetence, corruption and impunity! – Paul Rukundo @paulrwabihurwa
Whoever is doing PR for Uganda CAA must be drinking sanitizer! Negative PR around this airport will finally have serious implications on our tourism – Matia Mubangizi @MubangiziMathia
Wrong timing kabisa, sounds like a prohibitive step – Zahra Namuli @Zahranamuli
In short it’s illegal to record airport officials asking for bribes, Uganda – Darker Skinn @BradleyCarl256
Stop diverting people. Filming security installations restrictions is understandable. But Filming your corrupt staff is a right. You need to clarify your communication asap. – Mutabazi Edward (ME) @Ishekatazi511
We must get that evidence u always ask us to provide after reporting corruption scandals. We must for sure. Stop joking with our money. Where in our constitution is it stated! – Sandra Twesigye @SandraTwesigye
UCAA and Entebbe International Airport have in recent months been in the news for the wrong reasons, the recent one being videos of staff asking for bribes from travelers. There had also been rumors that China had taken over Entebbe Airport over a loan extended to Uganda. (See Details Here).
Last year, an investigation into Uganda Airlines revealed that CEO Jennifer Bamuturaki did not have the required academic qualifications to hold the top office. Transport Minister Gen Katumba Wamala said he could not block the appointment because it was ‘an order from above.’ Bamuturaki was also on the spot over per diem for work she did not do. (Read Stories Here, There and Over There).
