Uganda Airlines Under New Leadership! Museveni Appoints Aviation Veteran Girma Wake As CEO

In a bold and unexpected move, President Yoweri Museveni has dismissed Jennifer Bamuturaki from her role as Chief Executive Officer of Uganda Airlines, signaling a decisive shake-up in the management of the national carrier. The announcement, made through a formal letter dated Friday, 13th February, instructed the Minister of Works and Transport, Katumba Wamala, to work alongside Permanent Secretary Ramathan Goobi and the airline’s Governing Board to ensure a smooth and immediate transition.
President Museveni’s directive emphasized that Bamuturaki should step aside promptly, while guaranteeing her full entitlements and emoluments. The tone of the letter left no ambiguity, underscoring the urgency of stabilizing the airline and rectifying management concerns that have reportedly hindered its growth.
Taking the helm as Acting CEO is 82-year-old Ethiopian aviation expert Girma Wake, a veteran whose decades of experience in airline operations across Africa have earned him high acclaim. In addition to leading Uganda Airlines temporarily, Wake is tasked with advising the board and guiding the airline through a critical period of organizational restructuring and operational improvements.
Uganda Airlines, revived in 2019 after years of dormancy, has faced financial and operational challenges typical of a young national carrier. President Museveni’s intervention signals a commitment to address these issues swiftly, with an emphasis on strong governance, disciplined management, and strategic planning to secure the airline’s long-term success.
Wake’s appointment brings international expertise to the airline, and his previous successes in transforming Ethiopian aviation are expected to strengthen Uganda Airlines’ operational systems, enhance investor confidence, and foster strategic partnerships within the continent and beyond. The President has set a clear timeline, with Wake serving as Acting CEO until July 2026, by which point a permanent CEO is expected to be appointed.
The decision has elicited mixed reactions from stakeholders. Supporters argue that the leadership change is necessary to correct inefficiencies and improve performance, while critics express concern that abrupt changes could destabilize staff morale. Nonetheless, the government’s assurance that Bamuturaki will receive her due benefits signals a desire for a professional and conflict-free transition.
Museveni’s hands-on approach reflects his long-standing policy of direct intervention in strategic sectors. By personally directing this leadership change, the President is sending a clear message that accountability, competence, and effective management are non-negotiable, especially in state-owned enterprises central to national pride and economic development.
As Uganda Airlines enters this new chapter, all eyes will be on Girma Wake’s leadership and the airline’s trajectory over the coming months. If the veteran executive succeeds in stabilizing operations and boosting performance, the move may be hailed as visionary. Regardless, the reshuffle marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of Uganda’s national carrier, blending experience, oversight, and a renewed commitment to excellence.