‘The Ban Only Applies To Few Sensitive Areas’- CAA Speaks Out On Ban On Taking Photos And Videos At Entebbe Airport
The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) has clarified its earlier notice banning the taking of photos and recording of videos at Entebbe International Airport.
According to a statement released on Thursday, UCAA noted the ban only applies to a few “sensitive” areas at the airport where videography and photography are prohibited.
“This is to clarify that the reminder message restricting photography and filming relates only to operational restricted or sensitive areas within the terminal building such as security screening areas and equipment, among other sensitive areas,” UCAA said in a statement.
However, according to UCAA, the latest ban on photography and videography has been issued after some members of the public had started filming the security screening process and equipment further adding that taking photos and recording videos in other areas will not be prohibited.
“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,” UCAA added.
Over the recent weeks, social media platforms, especially Twitter and TikTok, have been awash with videos of several Ugandans complaining about cases of extortion travellers who use the airport being subjected to with some alleging that their travels have been cancelled and delayed simply to milk money out of them.
The above triggered the Inspector General of Government (IGG) to pick an interest and vowed to expose all those involved.
IGG Betty Kamya said, “As the IGG, I want to applaud the [ordinary] citizens of Uganda, who have come out to expose the extortion at the airport. These are our heroes because they are not politicians, religious leaders or government officials, but local Ugandans who have come out to say enough is enough of corruption.”
The IGG said this is not the first time the inspectorate is investigating UCCA staff. Kamya said they have investigated at least 21 cases of corruption in the authority in the last five years.
“It should be clear that whoever is found culpable of corruption or acquiring of wealth in any illicit way shall be prosecuted according to the Illicit Acquisition of Wealth Act or the Money Laundering Act,” vowed Kamya.
