Esther Theo: The 21-year-old pilot

Who is Esther Theo?
Haha okay uhm… I am a person who is trying to make a difference as a woman in the aviation industry. Also down- to-earth and very friendly.
Tell us about your stay in Uganda, high school days and the most memorable childhood moments.
I was born and raised in Uganda, I went to Maryhill High School for my O-Level and then Nabisunsa Girls’ School for my A-Level.
My most memorable childhood moment, that would be when I first saw the cockpit of a plane and talked to a pilot, I was just about 12 years old and that conversation changed my life goals. I just wanted to be like that guy.

Tell us more about yourself.
I was born in Kampala, Uganda. Nsambya hospital to be exact and I’m a Munyankole from Rutooma, Mbarara District.
My favourite local food or rather the food I miss the most is firinda and kalo.

Did you always dream of being a pilot?
Yes, I actually did. It was a childhood dream, I always wanted to fly planes. I didn’t think it was actually going to happen but it did and I am proud.

People back home often discourage those who take on a path like yours, how did you sieve out the negative energy?
I would have to say the negativity comes from the fact that people do not know much about the aviation industry. Personally, before I started, I was doubting the whole pilot business but as I went on with the course, I gained more knowledge about the aviation industry.
Also, people claim that there are no jobs back home but that isn’t true. There are a couple of charter companies in Uganda and you can always go work in a different country as long as you have the right qualification(s).

How does it feel to fly?
I can say it is the best feeling in the world. It is a high that cannot be compared to anything else in the world, it is really an amazing feeling.

What motivates you?
I have two things that motivate me on a daily. The first is to make my parents proud and the second, is the captain seat of the Boeing 777, I want to get there.

What Ugandan phrase/quote interests you the most and why?
Haha i will say the phrase “Nozakubagye” [in Runyakitara] meaning “You will be fine” because whatever you are going through, no matter how difficult it is, at the end of it all you will persevere and be fine.

Comment on Uganda’s aviation industry.
The aviation industry in Uganda is one of the small industries that has not yet been fully exploited and developed. But I think it’s slowly developing and with the right management it could grow bigger and faster.

What African/Uganda literature are you reading of recent?
I haven’t really read any Ugandan/African literature recently but i am open to any ideas. A good book can make any day better.

What advice do you have for girls or people out there that are limited and discouraged by stereotypes?
Go for it. Don’t let society hold you back. If you have a goal in life don’t stop, keep pushing, keep turning the pages till you get to the end. Because once you let self doubt creep into your mind cause of what society thinks, you will never achieve what you are capable of.
-thisisuganda.org