At Zipline Rwanda’s Muhanga station, Albertine Uwineza moves with quiet confidence through a fast-paced environment where precision is critical. As a certified operations engineer leading maintenance operations, she helps ensure the seamless delivery of lifesaving medical supplies through one of the world’s most advanced drone delivery systems. What stands out about Ineza is not only her technical expertise, but also her belief that young girls should see engineering and technology as fields where they can actively participate and thrive. ALSO READ: How drones could transform vaccine delivery in Rwanda At 29, she leads maintenance operations at Zipline Rwanda’s Muhanga station, working across drone recovery, flight systems, and control operations in a setting where precision directly affects the delivery of critical healthcare supplies. A neighbour sparked an early ambition Her path into engineering did not begin in a family of scientists or engineers. Instead, it started with curiosity sparked by a neighbour whose children worked in engineering, prompting her to imagine a future in technology. From that point, she began to picture herself following a similar path. When she shared her ambition, the advice she received was straightforward: engineering required a strong foundation in mathematics and physics. “I had this interest from when I was young,” Ineza says. “But I was told clearly that if I wanted to become an engineer, I needed to focus on mathematics and physics. So, I took that seriously. I knew that was the path I had to build from the beginning.” ALSO READ: The growing role of drones in Rwanda’s development Building a foundation in engineering She later pursued electrical engineering at the former Kigali Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), now part of the University of Rwanda. Her studies were driven by more than academic requirements. She was preparing for a field she had long been curious about, building discipline in mathematics, physics, and core engineering principles that would later define her professional career. Even at university, she kept an eye on emerging technologies and the practical applications of engineering beyond the classroom. Finding Zipline and a purpose in technology Uwineza joined Zipline as an intern in 2020, at a time when drone delivery systems were still relatively new in Rwanda. While the technology initially attracted her, she soon became equally inspired by its role in delivering blood, vaccines, and other essential medical supplies to remote communities. “I was initially fascinated by the technology because it was new and very different,” she explains. “But what really stayed with me was the purpose. Knowing that the systems we were working on were directly saving lives made the work feel meaningful in a way I had not experienced before.” ALSO READ: Inside Rwanda’s bold bet on drones for transport, defence and innovation In 2021, she returned as a full-time engineer after a competitive selection process in which she was selected among 16 candidates from more than 90 applicants. Working across systems that must never fail At Zipline, Uwineza is fully certified in operations and leads maintenance activities while also working across drone recovery, flight operations, and control systems. Her responsibilities extend beyond a single function. Depending on operational needs, she shifts between tasks to ensure drones, systems, and infrastructure remain fully functional at all times. Her work also extends beyond Rwanda, supporting operations in countries such as Ghana as Zipline expands its regional footprint. Alongside her engineering responsibilities, she completed a master’s degree online while working full time, balancing academic advancement with demanding operational duties. WATCH: Kigali set to be Africa’s first city with urban drone delivery as Zipline expands in Rwanda Challenging assumptions in a technical field Despite her expertise, Uwineza still encounters assumptions about women’s abilities in technical roles. Rather than debate them, she prefers to let her work speak for itself. “There are still moments when people assume certain technical tasks are not meant for me because I am a woman,” she says. “But once you are in the work, it becomes very clear that it is about capability. I work on maintenance, recovery, and flight systems. I will do all of it.” She believes visibility is important in changing perceptions, especially in fields where women remain underrepresented. A system built on impact For Uwineza, the most rewarding aspect of her work is the direct connection between engineering and healthcare delivery. Every operation carries real consequences. A successful flight can mean a hospital receives critical supplies on time, while a delay can affect patient care. “That responsibility changes how you work,” she says. “You are not just doing technical tasks. You are part of a system where the outcome affects people’s lives directly. That keeps you focused.” A journey shaped by intention Looking back, Uwineza does not see her career path as accidental. It was built deliberately, from the subjects she chose in school to her university studies and professional development. Her philosophy is simple: meaningful careers require commitment and hard work. “If you want to do something meaningful, you have to accept that it will take work,” she says. “But effort should not discourage you. It should prepare you. What matters is staying committed.” Opening doors for the next generation Her hope is that more young girls will view engineering and technology as fields they can confidently enter and succeed in. For her, representation is not merely symbolic. It broadens possibilities and helps reshape perceptions about who belongs in technical professions. At Zipline’s Muhanga station, Uwineza continues to oversee complex systems that connect engineering with healthcare delivery. Her journey reflects a growing reality: technical leadership is defined not by gender, but by skill, dedication, and consistency.
