Uganda Airlines has promoted three pilots, including two women, to the rank of captain, bringing the number of female captains commanding its regional aircraft to three.
The newly promoted pilots are Tina Drazu, Vanita Kayiwa and Brian Ochen, who have been elevated from first officers to captains, a position that places them in command of commercial flights.
The national carrier announced the promotions on November 10, describing the development as another milestone in the airline’s efforts to recognise professional growth among its flight crew.
“More milestones. More celebrations. More CAPTAINS!” the airline announced.
It welcomed the three pilots to what is known in aviation as the “left seat”, the position occupied by the captain in a commercial aircraft cockpit.
“A proud moment for the Airline, and a reminder that to succeed, you must love it, live it, and own it,” the airline said.
The promotions bring the number of female captains at Uganda Airlines to three, following the elevation of Rita Nasirumbi on October 13, 2026.
Nasirumbi made history as the airline’s first female captain after earning her fourth stripe, the insignia traditionally associated with the rank. She joined Uganda Airlines in 2019 and previously served as a first officer on the Mitsubishi CRJ900 aircraft.
Drazu and Kayiwa have now joined Nasirumbi as the airline’s three female CRJ900 captains.
The latest promotions also follow comments by Uganda Airlines Chief Executive Officer Girma Wake, who said the carrier intended to recruit more pilots, particularly locally trained personnel, and create opportunities for existing staff to advance.
Speaking to journalists in Accra, Ghana, on October 29, Wake indicated that more promotions were expected as the airline sought to build its cockpit workforce to support its expanding fleet.
“Pretty soon we will have another captain,” he said.
The airline has been expanding its regional network, including the introduction of flights to Accra, Ghana, and preparations for services to Kigali, Rwanda.
The development of experienced flight crews is central to these expansion plans, particularly as the carrier prepares to operate a growing mix of regional and long-haul aircraft.
Uganda Airlines resumed commercial operations in August 2019 after nearly two decades without a national carrier.
