By Our Reporter
Kampala — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has ordered an immediate leadership shake-up at national carrier Uganda Airlines, directing that aviation veteran Girma Wake be appointed consultant/advisor and acting Chief Executive Officer as the government moves to address management weaknesses at the airline.
In a State House letter dated February 13, 2026 and addressed to Works and Transport Minister Katumba Wamala, Museveni said Wake should immediately assist in rectifying “a number of management weaknesses” and serve as Acting CEO until a substantive chief executive is appointed by July 2026.
The president also directed that the current Chief Executive Officer, Jenifer Bamuturaki, step aside immediately and hand over to Wake and the airline’s board, adding that the board should organize all emoluments due to her. Wake is expected to work closely with the board throughout the transition period until a permanent chief executive is named.
The directive, issued from State House in Kampala, Uganda, signals renewed government intervention at the state-owned carrier, which has faced continuing financial pressures, operational scrutiny and governance concerns since its revival in 2019.
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By Our Reporter
Kampala — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has ordered an immediate leadership shake-up at national carrier Uganda Airlines, directing that aviation veteran Girma Wake be appointed consultant/advisor and acting Chief Executive Officer as the government moves to address management weaknesses at the airline.
In a State House letter dated February 13, 2026 and addressed to Works and Transport Minister Katumba Wamala, Museveni said Wake should immediately assist in rectifying “a number of management weaknesses” and serve as Acting CEO until a substantive chief executive is appointed by July 2026.
The president also directed that the current Chief Executive Officer, Jenifer Bamuturaki, step aside immediately and hand over to Wake and the airline’s board, adding that the board should organize all emoluments due to her. Wake is expected to work closely with the board throughout the transition period until a permanent chief executive is named.
The directive, issued from State House in Kampala, Uganda, signals renewed government intervention at the state-owned carrier, which has faced continuing financial pressures, operational scrutiny and governance concerns since its revival in 2019.
The airline, relaunched after nearly two decades of inactivity, has been expanding regional and international routes but has remained reliant on government capital injections while seeking long-term financial stability.
Wake’s appointment is widely viewed as a strategic move given his record in transforming Ethiopian Airlines into Africa’s largest and consistently profitable carrier during his leadership.
Aviation analysts say his experience in restructuring airline management systems, strengthening corporate governance and guiding expansion strategies could help stabilize Uganda Airlines as authorities search for a permanent chief executive expected to be announced by mid-2026.
