Uganda Airlines has promoted Rita Nasirumbi to captain, making her the first woman to attain the rank at the national carrier since its revival in 2019. The airline announced the milestone on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, celebrating her achievement as a landmark moment for women in Ugandan aviation.

Nasirumbi earned her fourth stripe, the insignia associated with a commercial airline captain, marking her progression from first officer to pilot-in-command. She is expected to command the airline’s Mitsubishi CRJ900 regional aircraft, taking on the responsibility of overseeing flight operations and making key decisions concerning the safety of the aircraft, crew and passengers.

In a statement celebrating the achievement, Uganda Airlines said: “Today, we celebrated Captain Rita Nasirumbi, who made history as Uganda’s and Uganda Airlines’ first female captain.”

Nasirumbi joined Uganda Airlines in April 2019 as a first officer, becoming part of the team that helped establish the carrier’s flight operations following the revival of the national airline. She was among the pilots introduced to the public when the airline received its first two CRJ900 aircraft at Entebbe International Airport in April 2019, ahead of the resumption of commercial services.

Her promotion is particularly significant in an industry where women remain underrepresented in cockpit leadership. Captains carry ultimate responsibility for the safe conduct of flights, including supervising crew members, assessing operational conditions and making critical decisions when weather or technical challenges arise.

The achievement also builds on the progress of other Ugandan women in aviation. Vanita Kayiwa, for example, previously became a captain at Air Serv Limited before joining Uganda Airlines. Nasirumbi’s appointment is therefore a historic first for the national carrier, rather than the first time a Ugandan woman has become an aircraft captain.

The milestone comes as aviation stakeholders continue to advocate for greater participation of women in technical and leadership roles. In March 2026, the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority joined industry partners at a Women in Aviation Gala in Kampala, where participants highlighted mentorship, professional development and expanded opportunities for women across the sector.

Nasirumbi’s promotion represents a significant career achievement and adds to the visibility of Ugandan women in commercial aviation. Her journey from first officer to captain at the national carrier offers an example to young women aspiring to careers in aviation, demonstrating the possibilities available through professional development and advancement in a demanding, highly regulated field.