A government proposal to take over ownership of the East African Civil Aviation Academy in Soroti faces opposition from the private sector and EAC legislators.

The academy’s manage advisory task force (MATAF) wants the facility, locally known as Soroti Flying School, to be put fully owned by the government of Uganda, so that it may be able to access better funding and other facilitation than currently.

In the proposals, MATAF also wants the academy integrated into the national curriculum under the university council and accredited by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE).

Eng Mackenzie Ogweng, the chairman of MATAF says the lack of a proper legal status, regarding the ownership and management of the school has made it difficult to achieve its vision.

He says for example that the training facilities are getting outdated with the school still training the students on propeller aircraft, yet airlines today, including Uganda Airlines are operating jet aircraft.

At the inauguration of the new MATF for the Soroti Flying School, Gen Edward Katumba Wamala, the minister for Works and Transport said he completely supports the government proposal.