The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority has reported that Uganda Airlines flight number UR-710 experienced a bird strike at 1648 hours, shortly after take-off from Entebbe to Johannesburg on January 16, 2023 before it returned and landed safely at 1823 hours. The flight later took-off at 1953 hours and returned safely this morning at 0502 hours.

Just last week a Turkish Airline was forced to land after takeoff following a bird strike at the same airport.

Further indications show that it was struck by two Barn swallows, a migratory bird species.

Entebbe is a wildlife sanctuary that usually experiences bird migrations twice a year (March-May and October – December). However, possibly due to climate change,the Authority has noted longer stay of some migratory species like the Barn Swallow. The Barn Swallow weighs about 17g, but flocks in nature. The wildlife and hazard management section is in charge and continues to implement all Standard Operating Procedures, which include routine runway sweeps (prior to any landing or take-off). Other plans include monitoring habitats and doing community outreach activities to manage garbage and waste disposal, which are major bird attractants. The section also uses pyrotecnics, laser torches for bird scare, foot patrolling and duly informs the Air Traffic Controller to warn the pilot when birds are sighted as required by the International Civil Aviation Organisatio (ICAO). Continous research is also very vital in wildlife hazard management.