Uganda’s aviation industry has reached a historic milestone after Captain Rita Nasirumbi became the first female captain at Uganda Airlines, breaking new ground for women in the country’s aviation sector. Her promotion marks a major achievement for the national carrier and sends a powerful message to young women that they can rise to the highest positions in an industry traditionally dominated by men.
The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) and other aviation stakeholders continue to encourage greater female participation in aviation. Nasirumbi’s achievement provides a timely example of women advancing into senior professional positions through training, experience and dedication, inspiring more young Ugandans to consider careers in the industry.Uganda Airlines announced the development on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, revealing that Nasirumbi had earned her fourth stripe, signifying her promotion to captain.
The national carrier celebrated her achievement in a post on its official X account, describing her as Uganda Airlines’ first female captain and recognising the importance of the occasion.In her new position, Nasirumbi will serve as pilot-in-command of the airline’s Mitsubishi CRJ900 regional jet. She will be responsible for overseeing flight operations, making critical decisions and ensuring that safety procedures are followed throughout each flight. The role requires strong leadership, sound judgment and the ability to manage complex situations while protecting passengers and crew.Becoming an airline captain is one of the most significant achievements in a pilot’s career. It requires extensive flying experience, specialised training, technical knowledge and the ability to take responsibility for an aircraft and everyone on board.
Nasirumbi’s promotion therefore represents both professional progress and a breakthrough for female representation in the national carrier’s cockpit leadership.Nasirumbi was among the pilots introduced when Uganda Airlines resumed operations in 2019. Her journey with the airline has now reached a remarkable milestone, placing her among the women helping to shape the future of Uganda’s aviation industry. Her achievement also challenges traditional perceptions about women working in highly technical and demanding professions.The milestone comes amid continued efforts to encourage more women to pursue careers in aviation. In March 2026, the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority joined other industry stakeholders at a Women in Aviation Gala in Kampala, where participants highlighted the need to improve women’s access to training, professional development and leadership opportunities.
These efforts aim to create more opportunities for women to enter and advance in the sector.Although Nasirumbi is the first female captain at Uganda Airlines, she is not the first Ugandan woman to attain the rank of airline captain. Captain Vanita Kayiwa previously achieved captain status at Air Serv Limited before joining Uganda Airlines. Nevertheless, Nasirumbi’s promotion marks a historic achievement for the national carrier, offering inspiration to young women who dream of becoming pilots and proving that the cockpit is a place where talent, training and determination can open doors to leadership.
