The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) has encouraged girls to pursue careers in aviation and develop their interests in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), highlighting the diverse professional opportunities available across the sector beyond piloting.
The initiative was highlighted during the third Girls in Aviation Day, held at Entebbe International Airport on Wednesday. The event was attended by more than 100 girls from 10 schools and organised by UCAA in partnership with AirServ, Chiedza CheAfrica and Women in Aviation International to promote greater female participation in the aviation industry.
Addressing the participants, UCAA Acting Director General Olive B. Lumonya, represented by Director of Human Resource and Administration Sabah Ahmed, emphasised that aviation requires professionals with a wide range of educational qualifications, technical expertise and specialised skills. She encouraged students to look beyond the traditional perception of aviation as a profession primarily associated with pilots.
The programme provided students with opportunities to interact with female aviation professionals and learn about various career paths, including piloting, air traffic control, aeronautical information management, communications, navigation and surveillance engineering, bird hazard and wildlife management, architecture and accounting.
Lumonya noted that such engagements play an important role in raising awareness, building confidence and inspiring young women to consider opportunities across the aviation sector. The initiative also aims to demonstrate that women can contribute to and succeed in diverse technical, operational and management roles within the industry.
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