Uganda Airlines has celebrated Captain Rita Nasirumbi after promoting her to captain, making her the national carrier’s first female captain and marking a historic milestone for women in Ugandan aviation.
The airline announced the achievement on October 13, 2026, following Nasirumbi’s attainment of the fourth stripe, the standard insignia worn by airline captains.
Nasirumbi joined Uganda Airlines in 2019 when the national carrier was being revived ahead of the resumption of commercial operations. She was among the initial group of pilots introduced as the airline prepared to return to the skies.
Before her promotion, she served as a first officer on the Mitsubishi CRJ900 regional jet. In her new role, she will serve as pilot-in-command of the aircraft.
Announcing her achievement, Uganda Airlines described the promotion as a proud moment for the carrier and an inspiration to women aspiring to build careers in aviation.
“Today, we celebrated Captain Rita Nasirumbi, who made history as Uganda’s and Uganda Airlines’ first female captain. A proud moment for the Airline and an inspiring reminder of what women can achieve. Congratulations, Captain Rita!! May your journey continue to inspire many more women to take the skies,” the airline said.
Nasirumbi’s promotion marks progress in a profession traditionally dominated by men, placing her among the women breaking barriers in commercial aviation in Uganda.
Her journey with Uganda Airlines began around the time the national carrier was preparing to resume operations, alongside other female pilots, including Vanita Kayiwa and Tina Drazu, who joined its cockpit crews around the relaunch period.
The achievement also highlights the growing visibility of women in the country’s aviation industry, with Uganda Airlines using the occasion to encourage more women to pursue careers in the sector.
As the national carrier continues its regional and international operations, Nasirumbi’s promotion adds another milestone to its history and offers an example to aspiring female pilots.
Some milestones deserve to be celebrated beyond the moment!!.🥳
Today, we celebrated Captain Rita Nasirumbi, who made history as Uganda’s and Uganda Airlines’ first female captain. A proud moment for the Airline and an inspiring reminder of what women can achieve.
Congratulations, Captain Rita!!👩✈️✈️ May your journey continue to inspire many more women to take the skies. #FlytheCrane
— Uganda Airlines (@UG_Airlines) October 13, 2026
