By Spy Uganda
Entebbe International Airport on Friday conducted a full-scale aviation security exercise simulating the hijacking of a commercial aircraft, as authorities tested the readiness of security agencies and emergency responders to handle a major aviation crisis.
The two-and-a-half-hour exercise, code-named “EX 2026,” was organised by the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) and brought together multiple stakeholders involved in airport security and emergency response.
According to UCAA, the simulation began at approximately 12:14 p.m. and involved a fictional Fenna Airlines flight carrying 67 passengers on board.
The scenario assumed that Flight FY 506, which was preparing for departure, had been hijacked before take-off after an attacker gained access to the cockpit. The simulated incident further presumed that all passengers had been taken hostage, prompting Air Traffic Control to activate emergency procedures in line with the airport’s contingency plan.
The exercise was designed to evaluate the coordination, communication and response capabilities of agencies responsible for managing aviation security incidents at Uganda’s busiest international airport.
UCAA said the drill forms part of mandatory international aviation safety requirements for member states of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which require airports handling international traffic to conduct comprehensive emergency exercises every two years.
Speaking after the exercise, UCAA Director General Fred K. Bamwesigye commended the various agencies and organisations that participated in the simulation.
He said the exercise successfully tested the preparedness of joint security agencies, airline operators, ground handling companies, health personnel and other government institutions in responding to a complex aviation security incident.
“The exercise provided an opportunity to test and evaluate stakeholders’ response capability in accordance with the Airport Contingency Plan,” Bamwesigye said.
The simulation involved coordinated actions by security personnel, emergency responders and aviation officials, reflecting the multi-agency approach required during a real hijacking or hostage situation.
Officials said the periodic drills help identify operational gaps, improve coordination among responding agencies and ensure that emergency procedures remain effective in protecting passengers, airport staff and critical infrastructure.
UCAA noted that the authority last conducted a similar full-scale airport security exercise on October 26, 2023, with the latest simulation forming part of Uganda’s continued compliance with international aviation security standards.
The exercise comes as aviation authorities worldwide continue to strengthen preparedness against evolving security threats through regular emergency simulations and inter-agency training aimed at safeguarding civil aviation operations.
