Kampala, Uganda – On 9th December, Uganda Airlines, in partnership with Boeing, Makerere University, PACEID Uganda, and the U.S. Embassy in Kampala, hosted the inaugural Aviation and Youth Engagement Day at Makerere University. The engagement marked a significant step toward inspiring young people and building a sustainable talent pipeline for Uganda’s growing aviation industry.
The event brought together aviation experts, engineers, pilots, and university students for an interactive learning experience focused on career development, innovation, and professionalism. Uganda Airlines and Boeing launched a career development initiative aimed at equipping students with practical knowledge of the aviation sector while exposing them to its diverse career pathways.
Addressing the students, Uganda Airlines Chief Executive Officer Jennifer Bamuturaki emphasised that aviation is a multidisciplinary industry that extends beyond piloting aircraft. She noted that the sector requires a wide range of skills, including mechanical and electrical engineering, food science, communications, and technology expertise. She also cautioned students against recruitment scams, stressing that Uganda Airlines only recruits through official channels.
Speakers at the engagement highlighted the importance of integrity, discipline, and effective time management as essential qualities for aspiring aviation professionals. Representing Boeing, Herb Wallen, Executive Director for Commercial Sales, encouraged students to look beyond the classroom and pursue internships and training opportunities, citing the rapid growth of Africa’s aviation industry and the increasing demand for skilled professionals across the continent.
Technical experts, including Engineer Hamza Bunya, Captain Tonny Tebajanga, and Engineer Victor Kalule, emphasised the growing role of automation in modern aircraft systems. They urged students to develop competencies in automated maintenance and engineering processes to remain competitive in an evolving industry.
The session concluded with a call to action for young Africans to take advantage of the fast-growing aviation sector, which continues to create new career pathways and opportunities for innovation. Through strong collaboration between academia, industry leaders, and international partners, the inaugural Aviation and Youth. Engagement Day demonstrated a shared commitment to shaping a skilled, informed, and future-ready aviation workforce for Uganda.
