President Museveni has directed the appointment of veteran Ethiopian aviation executive Girma Wake as Acting Chief Executive Officer of Uganda Airlines.
In the same letter, he directed that Jenifer Bamuturaki step aside with immediate effect.
In a February 13, 2026 letter addressed to Works and Transport Minister Katumba Wamala, Museveni cited “leadership and management weaknesses” at the national carrier and called for urgent corrective action.
“I hereby direct that you go ahead and appoint Mr. Girma Wake as a Consultant/Advisor to assist in rectifying a number of management weaknesses in the airline. In addition, he is to serve as Acting CEO until we appoint a new CEO by July 2026,” the President wrote.
Wake is expected to work closely with the airline’s Board and immediately assume oversight of operations and reforms as the government searches for a substantive CEO.
At the same time, Museveni directed that Bamuturaki hand over to Wake and the Board without delay. He instructed the Board to process any emoluments due to her in accordance with her contract.
The shake-up follows mounting concerns over the airline’s financial performance and governance. Despite significant government capitalisation since its revival, Uganda Airlines has continued to post losses, drawing scrutiny over operational efficiency, procurement decisions and revenue management.
Officials have previously pointed to challenges including fleet utilisation, route performance, commercial strategy and internal friction between management and the Board.
While State House has not publicly detailed specific allegations, the President’s directive signals dissatisfaction with the airline’s trajectory and a push for rapid restructuring.
Experienced hand at the helm
Wake is widely regarded as one of Africa’s most accomplished aviation executives, having played a central role in the growth and global positioning of Ethiopian Airlines. His appointment is seen as an effort to inject technical expertise and strategic discipline into Uganda Airlines at a critical moment.
As Acting CEO and advisor, Wake will oversee operational reforms, financial discipline and strategic realignment until a permanent chief executive is appointed, expected by July 2026.
The leadership transition marks one of the most significant interventions at Uganda Airlines since its relaunch, underscoring government determination to stabilise and reposition the national carrier.
