Girls in aviation having a feel of Uganda Airlines The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) has reached 300 girls over the last three years through its Girls in Aviation Day initiative aimed at encouraging female participation in aviation careers.Speaking at the third edition of the event held at UCAA on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, the Authority said this year’s event hosted 100 girls, building on the momentum of the past two editions.The event was organized in partnership with AirServ, Chiedza CheAfrica and Women in Aviation International.The remarks by the Ag. Director General, Ms. Olive Birungi Lumonya, were delivered by the Director Human Resource and Administration, Sabah Ahmed.In her address, Lumonya said the initiative has become a tradition for the aviation industry and reaffirms UCAA’s commitment to advancing gender equality.“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,” said Lumonya in remarks delivered by Ahmed.UCAA Director Human Resource and Administration, Sabah Ahmed, addressing girls in aviationLumonya said UCAA remains committed to the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) Next Generation of Aviation Professionals (NGAP) Programme, which focuses on attracting, educating, training and retaining young professionals and promoting gender equality.She noted that the Africa Women and Youth in Aviation (AWAYA) Committee under the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), which is chaired by UCAA Deputy Director General Olive Lumonya, has secured over 200 scholarships through the ITAérea–ICAO Developing Countries Scholarship Programme, opening doors for young girls across the continent.Addressing the girls, Lumonya emphasized that aviation extends far beyond piloting.“When we talk about aviation, many people think only about pilots. But aviation is a vast industry requiring people with different skills and professions,” she said.UCAA Director Human Resource and Administration, Sabah Ahmed (L) rewarding one of the girls in aviationShe said the girls would 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 to showcase the range of careers available.Lumonya, through Ahmed, urged the students to take Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) seriously.“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,” she said.She encouraged the girls to seek mentorship and not allow gender to limit their ambitions.“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,” Lumonya said.Some of the girls under the girls in aviation initiative being recognisedShe also called on parents and teachers to support girls in pursuing STEM careers without gender stereotypes, and commended partners for sustaining the initiative.“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,” she added.The post UCAA Urges Girls to Take Up STEM Careers as Girls in Aviation Initiative Reaches 300 in Three Years appeared first on Business Focus.