The Representatives from Women in Aviation International and Chiedza CheAfrica,
The Management of UCAA,
The Management of Airserv and other partners present,
Distinguished guests,
Members of the Press;
I warmly welcome you all to the third Girls in Aviation Day event.
The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) is delighted to once again partner with AirServ, ChiedzaCheAfrica and Women In Aviation International, for the third consecutive year, as we celebrate this important occasion, which is now becoming a tradition for us in the aviation industry as we continue to nurture and encourage female participation.
This year is particularly special because it marks the third year running that the Authority, Chiedza CheAfrica and Airserv have partnered to host this programme. Over the three years, we have reached about 300 girls, introducing them to aviation careers and encouraging them to consider the industry as a place where they can build their futures.
The Authority remains committed to advancing the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) Next Generation of Aviation Professionals (NGAP) Programme, which focuses on attracting, educating, training, and retaining young professionals; promoting gender equality in aviation; and encouraging global collaboration through various programs, summits, and initiatives.
As Uganda, we are honoured to note that the Africa Women and Youth in Aviation (AWAYA), under the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), is chaired by the Deputy Director General of UCAA, Ms. Olive Lumonya. The Committee has made significant contributions towards advancing opportunities for women and youth in aviation.
Notably, AWAYA has secured over 200 scholarships through the ITAérea–ICAO Developing Countries Scholarship Programme (DCSP), providing valuable opportunities for women and youth and opening doors for young girls across the continent to pursue careers in aviation.
To the girls, I want you to know one thing: there is a place for you in aviation.
When we talk about aviation, many people think only about pilots. But aviation is a vast industry requiring people with different skills and professions.
Today, you will interact with female Air Traffic Controllers, Pilots, Aeronautical Information Management Officers, Communication, Navigation and Surveillance Engineers, Bird Hazard and Wildlife professionals, Architects, Accountants, and many others.
These professionals have been brought here deliberately to show you the wide range of careers available in aviation and, importantly, to demonstrate that women can excel in all these fields.
I would like to encourage you to take your education seriously, particularly Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics—STEM.
Do not be afraid of Mathematics or Physics. Do not think that Engineering or Technology is only for boys. The aviation industry of the future will depend heavily on science, technology, innovation, engineering, data and other specialised skills.
You can be part of that future.
The women you will meet today are also here to remind you that your dreams are achievable. They were once students like you, with dreams, challenges and uncertainties. Through education, determination, hard work and perseverance, they have built successful careers.
So, ask them questions. Find out what they studied. Learn from their experiences. And most importantly, begin to see yourselves in them.
If you want to be a pilot—go for it.
If you want to be an engineer—go for it.
If you want to control aircraft, design airports, work with aviation technology or manage an aviation organisation—go for it.
Your gender should never determine the size of your dream.
But remember, dreams require hard work. You will face challenges and setbacks. Do not allow them to discourage you. Keep learning, seek mentors, work hard and believe in your abilities.
The skills you acquire can take you beyond Uganda. Aviation is a global industry, and the opportunities are as wide as your ambition.
To the parents and teachers, I encourage you to continue supporting and encouraging girls to pursue STEM and other careers without limiting them because of gender stereotypes.
To Chiedza CheAfrica, Airserv and Women In Aviation International, I commend you for sustaining this initiative. The 300 girls reached over the past three years represent 300 possibilities—and among them could be the aviation leaders of tomorrow.
To our 100 students, I leave you with three words:
Dream. Work. Achieve.
Dream boldly, work hard, and never allow anyone to tell you that you cannot achieve your goals.
The sky is not the limit. It is your opportunity.
Enjoy the sessions.I wish you a wonderful and inspiring Girls in Aviation Day and thank you for listening.
