Uganda Civil Aviation Authority in collaboration with Airserv have marked the second Girls aviation Day at their head-office in Entebbe.
The event was presided over by the Ag. Director General , Ms. Olive Birungi Lumonya who is also the Vice-Chairperson of the African Women in Aviation Association .
Speaking at the opening, Ms. Lumonya reaffirmed UCAA’s commitment, noting: “We are intentional about supporting programmes that attract, educate, and empower young people, especially girls, to pursue their dreams in aviation. With 32% of our workforce now female, we are determined to continue bridging the gender gap and creating opportunities for the next generation.”
Lumonya said the Authority remains committed to advancing the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) Next Generation of Aviation Professionals (NGAP) Programme, which was launched in 2009 and formalized by the 2016 ICAO Assembly resolution.
She added that the NGAP Programme focuses on attracting, educating, training, and retaining young professionals; promoting gender equality in aviation; and encouraging global collaboration through various programs, summits, and initiatives.
“Events such as this are vital because they bring together young girls from across the country who are interested in aviation careers and serve as a source of inspiration. We are intentional about supporting this programme and creating platforms that encourage you—and many other young people—to pursue your dreams in aviation. I am glad that industry players like Airserv have come on board to take the lead, “ she added.
The aviation industry offers diverse career opportunities and is highly evolving. Current opportunities range from flying planes, ensuring the smooth operation of airports and airlines, flight operations, ground handling, and aircraft maintenance and engineering, to aviation management, finance, administration, rescue and firefighting, bird hazard and wildlife management, among others.
“ You do not need to limit yourself to one path—this industry provides the space to explore a wide range of skills and interests. The advent of technology in aviation has come with more opportunities, such as use of drones, and advanced air mobility systems, among others, which will all need young and vibrant minds like yours,” she emphasised .
The event has brought together passionate girls from schools across the country, including Mt. St. Mary;s College Namagunga, MerryLand International, Olea Primary School, St. Peters S.S, Hope Senior School, St. Mark High School, and Gayaza High School among others to learn, connect, and dream big. Later today, the Girls will tour a Uganda Airlines Airbus aircraft and visit various airport work stations to experience firsthand the different career paths aviation has to offer .
