Uganda Airlines has promoted three of its pilots from First Officers to Captains, marking an important milestone in the airline’s efforts to strengthen its aviation workforce and recognise professional excellence.

The promotions represent a significant achievement for the pilots, reflecting their dedication, experience, commitment to aviation safety and successful progression through the required professional training and assessments.

The airline announced the promotions on November 10, 2026, naming Tina Drazu, Vanita Kayiwa and Brian Ochen as its newly promoted captains.The development follows the earlier promotion of Rita Nasirumbi, who made history in October 2026 as Uganda Airlines’ first female captain. Her achievement was celebrated as an important milestone for women in the aviation industry.

The newly promoted captains received their four-striped epaulettes during a ceremony attended by family members and colleagues. In commercial aviation, four stripes traditionally identify an aircraft captain, who occupies the left-hand seat in the cockpit and has overall responsibility for the flight.The promotions also reflect the airline’s broader ambition to develop local aviation talent and strengthen its operational capacity as it expands its regional and international routes.

Uganda Airlines Chief Executive Officer, Girma Wake, has expressed his commitment to recruiting and training more Ugandan pilots, including graduates from the East African Civil Aviation Academy, popularly known as Soroti Flying School.The airline is also expanding its network, with new services connecting Entebbe to Accra and Kigali as part of its regional growth strategy.

The latest promotions mark another milestone for Uganda Airlines and highlight the importance of professional development, experience and investment in local aviation talent. Congratulations to the newly promoted captains.