Uganda Airlines has promoted Rita Nasirumbi to captain, making her the first woman to serve as a pilot-in-command at the national carrier.
The airline announced the milestone on October 13, 2026, celebrating Nasirumbi for earning her fourth stripe, the insignia associated with an airline captain.
“Today, we celebrated Captain Rita Nasirumbi, who made history as Uganda’s and Uganda Airlines’ first female captain,” the airline said.
Nasirumbi has been with Uganda Airlines since the carrier’s revival in 2019, when she was among the pilots preparing for the resumption of commercial operations.
She has flown the Mitsubishi CRJ900 regional jet during her time with the airline.
Her promotion marks a milestone for Uganda’s aviation industry and highlights women’s growing role in commercial aviation.
