Rita Nasirumbi: Uganda Airlines' pioneering female captain

For the first time in Uganda Airlines' history, a woman is taking command of the cockpit as captain.

 She is Rita Nasirumbi. Her promotion was announced on 13 October 2026 by the national carrier.

The fourth stripe on her uniform marks her new rank, placing her in command of the aircraft and responsible for the crew and passengers on board.

Nasirumbi joined Uganda Airlines in 2019 as a first officer, just as the airline was preparing to return to the skies after nearly two decades out of operation.

More women in aviation

Uganda Airlines celebrated Nasirumbi's achievement on social media, describing it as a proud moment for the national carrier and expressing hope that her journey would inspire more women to pursue careers in aviation.

While Nasirumbi is the first woman to become a captain at Uganda Airlines, she is not the first Ugandan woman to achieve that rank. Vanita Kayiwa previously became a captain while flying for the private airline Air Serv Limited.

Her achievement also brings to mind Captain Yasmin Abdi Farah, the Somali pilot who made history in May 2022 when she became Somalia's first female commercial airline captain in 35 years.

Born in Kenya's Wajir County, Yasmin flies for Maandeeq Air, operating routes between Somalia and Kenya. She was also named Somali Pilot of the Year for 2025.

Fleet expansion

Like Nasirumbi, Yasmin's rise to captaincy marked an important milestone for women in aviation. While Yasmin made history in Somalia's commercial aviation sector, Nasirumbi has now broken a barrier at Uganda's national carrier.

Nasirumbi's promotion comes as the airline continues to rebuild and expand.

Established in 1976, Uganda Airlines ceased operations in 2001 before being revived in 2019. Since its return, it has rebuilt its fleet and expanded its regional and international connections.

 In June 2026, the airline announced an agreement with Boeing covering the acquisition of 10 new aircraft to strengthen passenger and freight operations.

 But beyond the fleet expansion, Nasirumbi's promotion has placed her in Uganda Airlines' history and added another name to the growing number of African women reaching senior positions in aviation.