Uganda Airlines has promoted Rita Nasirumbi to captain, making her the first female pilot-in-command in the national carrier’s history and marking a significant milestone for women in Ugandan aviation.
Uganda Airlines has celebrated a historic milestone after promoting Rita Nasirumbi to captain, making her the first woman to attain the position at the national carrier.
The airline announced the achievement on October 13, 2026, revealing that Nasirumbi had earned her fourth stripe, the insignia traditionally worn by airline captains.
“Today, we celebrated Captain Rita Nasirumbi, who made history as Uganda’s and Uganda Airlines’ first female captain,” the airline said.
Her promotion marks a significant achievement for the country’s aviation industry and highlights the growing contribution of women to a profession traditionally dominated by men.
From First Officer to Captain
Nasirumbi has been part of Uganda Airlines since its revival in 2019, when the national carrier prepared to resume commercial operations.
She has been flying the Mitsubishi CRJ900 regional jet as a first officer, serving alongside other pilots in the airline’s cockpit crews.
Her promotion now qualifies her to serve as pilot-in-command of the CRJ900, taking on the highest level of operational responsibility on board the aircraft.
As captain, Nasirumbi will be responsible for overseeing flight operations, supervising the crew and making critical decisions to ensure the safety of passengers and aircraft.
The captain holds final authority over the operation of an aircraft during a flight, including decisions involving adverse weather, technical difficulties and other emergencies.
A Milestone for Women in Aviation
Nasirumbi’s achievement represents a breakthrough for women aspiring to build careers in aviation, particularly in Uganda, where female representation in the cockpit remains relatively limited.
Her journey from first officer to captain demonstrates the opportunities available to women pursuing professional aviation careers.
Uganda Airlines said the achievement should inspire more women to consider careers in aviation and pursue opportunities within the industry.
The milestone also adds to the national carrier’s story since its return to commercial operations in 2019, as it continues to develop its workforce and expand its aviation capabilities.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Nasirumbi’s promotion is expected to serve as an inspiration to young Ugandan women interested in becoming pilots and pursuing other technical careers traditionally associated with men.
Becoming an airline captain requires extensive training, flight experience, technical competence and the ability to make critical decisions under pressure.
Her achievement demonstrates the importance of professional development and creating opportunities for women to advance into senior positions within the aviation sector.
With her promotion, Captain Rita Nasirumbi has secured a place in Uganda Airlines’ history, opening a new chapter for female representation in the national carrier’s cockpit.
