Kubisi Aviation College on Friday, 29th May passed out 128 students in cabin crew services, flight operations, and aviation management, adding fresh talent to Uganda’s growing aviation workforce.
The graduates included 54 in flight operations, 28 in Cabin crew, 33 in passenger ground services, 7 in reservations and air ticket, 3 in cusecuritycare, 2 in air cargo, and 1 in aviation security.
Presiding over the ceremony, Doreen Katusiime, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, challenged graduates to uphold global safety standards and professionalism, as the country benefits from both the aviation and tourism sectors, which are closely related.
She said that Uganda’s skies are opening up, and only skilled, and disciplined professionals are needed to keep them safe.
“Every visitor who comes to Uganda, their first experience is in the skies with the pilots, cabin crew, and other aircraftstaff. Therefore, aviation is a very important sector for tourism because it is the first experience that travellers get when coming to Uganda,” PS Katusiime noted.
She further appreciated the management and instructors of Kubis Aviation College for preparing skilled professionals who will contribute to the growth of the aviation and tourism industries.
In conclusion, the Permanent Secretary highlighted that tourism is among the key sectors that are banked on by the government of Uganda to propel the economy to an upper-middle-income status with the sector directly employed over 800,000 people in 2024 and 1.5million people indirectly.
Kenneth Otim, the principal public affairs officer at UCAA in charge of airports, said that Uganda’s aviation sector is expanding with Entebbe Airport upgrades, new airline routes, and rising tourist arrivals driving demand for certified personnel.
Otim, who is also the board chairperson of Kubis Aviation College, pointed out the need for more skilled professionals in the aviation industry revealing that Kabalega International Airport in Hoima district will be handed over to UCAA for management in June this year and upgrades in some upcountry aerodromes in Kasese, Arua, Kisoro, Pakuba, and Kidepo.
“Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) every year renews contracts of some technical aviation personnel who have clocked retirement age due to a lack of replacements for them,” he said.
In addition, Otim explained that currently there are 60 licensed commercial and transport pilots in Uganda, 150 active licensed flight attendants and 60 aircraft maintenance engineers hence encouraging Ugandans to interest themselves in joining the aviation industry.
The executive secretary of the Uganda Vocational and Technical Assessment Board (UVTAB) representative, Alson Ashaba encouraged Ugandans to position themselves in the aviation industry because the world will need approximately 660,000 new pilots, 710,000 new maintenance technicians and one million new cabin crew members over the next 10 to 20 years.
James Naboth Ahimbisibwe, Kubisi Aviation College academic registrar, said the programs meet international standards, with regulations by the Council of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), such as Tourism and Travel Foundation, to respond to the growing demands of both aviation and tourism sectors.
He also emphasised the institution’s commitment to continue bridging the skills gap through practical training and industry partnerships.
Another dignitary who graced the ceremony is Ronald Kalema, the board member representing leaders, who encouraged the graduates to hold their profession more than certificates, saying, “You hold the trust of every passenger who will fly because of your skill, so guard it with discipline, precision, and pride.”
About The Author
