Uganda Airlines Appoints First Female Captain

Uganda Airlines promoted Rita Nasirumbi to captain, becoming the first woman in the national carrier's history to hold this role. The airline announced this milestone on October 13, 2026, noting Nasirumbi earned her fourth stripe, the insignia typically denoting a captain. She has been part of Uganda Airlines since the carrier’s revival in 2019 and has flown the Mitsubishi CRJ900 regional jet.

Nasirumbi was among the pilots introduced when Uganda Airlines resumed commercial operations. As a flight captain, she holds ultimate responsibility for aircraft safety and operations during flights, a role distinct from the first officer who assists in flying the plane.