Uganda Airlines and Boeing on Monday partnered with Makerere University to host a high-level Aviation and Youth Seminar aimed at expanding pathways for Ugandan students into global aviation careers.
The engagement, held at the School of Food Technology, Nutrition, and Bioengineering, attracted aviation professionals, diplomats, academics, and hundreds of students eager to explore career opportunities in one of the world’s most dynamic industries.
Themed “Aviation & Youth: Connecting Education, Tourism & National Development,” the event brought together senior officials from Boeing, Uganda Airlines, the U.S. Embassy, PACEID, and Liberty University.
“Aviation needs you”
Uganda Airlines Chief Executive Officer Jenifer Bamuturaki urged students to see aviation as a discipline open to all academic backgrounds.
“Aviation has space for every talent and discipline,” she said. “We need pilots, aircraft engineers, load controllers, lawyers, food scientists, creative designers—everyone. My message today is simple: Do not limit yourself. Aviation needs you.”
Bamuturaki shared her personal story of discovering aviation late in life, noting that many Ugandan students lack exposure to the sector early enough to shape their career choices.
“I grew up in Kampala, went through school and university, but I never knew where pilots came from,” she said. “You are lucky that Boeing is here to speak to you about pathways into aviation.”
She emphasised the national carrier’s commitment to demystifying aviation and opening opportunities: “As the national airline, we want to build a pipeline from universities into aviation careers. We are an equal-opportunities employer—and we never charge money to hire anyone. Beware of scams.”
Bamuturaki also challenged students to value punctuality, calling timekeeping “the most important currency in aviation.”
“Engineering opens every door”
Herb Wallen, Director of International Sales at Boeing, inspired students with the story of how a childhood encounter with a pilot changed his life.
“When I was 14, flying alone from Jamaica, a captain invited me to the flight deck. I asked him, ‘Who makes this aeroplane?’ He said, ‘Boeing.’ Right there, I knew that’s where I wanted to work,” Wallen recalled.
Despite initial rejection when he first applied, Wallen persisted and eventually began his career at Boeing—first on the International Space Station programme before moving into commercial aviation.
“I could talk about Boeing all day because I love this company,” he said. “Everything I do today, even in sales, is rooted in engineering. The foundation you build in engineering opens every door.”
He also discussed innovations like the 787 Dreamliner’s lower cabin altitude, which reduces passenger fatigue on long-haul flights.
Liberty University explores aviation training partnership
Prof. Bismark Agbemble announced that Liberty University, one of the largest institutions in the United States with more than 180,000 students, is exploring a skills-exchange partnership with Boeing and Ugandan institutions.
“We want to build a mutually beneficial skills-exchange platform—student exchanges, technical support, and training—to prepare a large workforce for Uganda’s aviation sector,” he said.
Liberty University, which has an FAA-accredited School of Aeronautics and its own regional airport, is also considering a new scholarship fund titled “Building the Workforce of Tomorrow.” “Our goal is to help train the personnel who will support Uganda Airlines in recruitment, retention, and professional development,” Agbemble added.
Aviation is the backbone of export growth
Representing the Private Sector Foundation’s PACEID programme, Brenda Katarikawe Opus underscored aviation’s role in expanding Uganda’s global market access.
“Aviation is not just about flying planes. It enables Uganda’s exports—from vegetables to coffee—to reach markets like Dubai and the UK in the best condition,” she said.
She encouraged students to embrace innovation: “Young people bring creativity and new ideas. The aviation ecosystem is expanding, from cargo to logistics to tourism. This seminar speaks directly to the needs of our economy.”
“Innovation begins in the classroom”
U.S. Embassy Education & Culture Attaché Lana Surface praised the partnership between Boeing and Uganda Airlines, emphasising the U.S.–Uganda collaboration in education and talent development.
“America stands on the shoulders of innovators—and our relationship with Uganda has a strong future,” she said. “Strengthening innovation begins right here in the classroom.”
Surface highlighted opportunities through EducationUSA, the American Centre, and U.S. exchange programs: “Our advisors guide anyone interested in studying in the United States—for undergraduate, graduate, or even pilot training. And all our services are free.”
“This is just the beginning”
Host of the event and Dean of the School of Food Technology, Nutrition, and Bioengineering, Dr Julia Kigozi, thanked Boeing and Uganda Airlines for bringing the industry closer to learners.
“Students need early opportunities to understand professional spaces,” she said. “These interactions are essential. They help bridge the gap between what is taught at the university and what industries require.”
She said Makerere is committed to bringing more aviation partners and expanding student participation.
The seminar—titled “The Future Starts With You”—featured presentations, career guidance, and interactive sessions with Uganda Airlines engineers, pilots, and Boeing specialists. Students also competed for Boeing-branded gear and engaged in discussions on the technical, operational, and business sides of aviation.