Girma Wake, an Ethiopian aviation expert is now acting CEO of Uganda Airlines
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Persistent financial losses and intense scrutiny over governance standards since its revival in 2019, had meant that the future of the national carrier was at stake, lest there was a paradigm shift in governance and financial management.
Because of these inhouse hiccups, it meant that the flagship national project could not deliver on the anticipated expectations of boosting tourism, trade and regional connectivity.
While the airline invested heavily in Bombardier CRJ900 and Airbus A330-800neo aircraft to position Entebbe as a regional aviation hub, successive audit reports flagged concerns around procurement processes, staffing structures, revenue management and corporate governance.
Investigations by the Uganda Police’s Criminal Investigations Directorate and the State House Anti-Corruption Unit have since deepened pressure on the carrier, focusing on alleged abuse of office, embezzlement, false accounting and irregular ticketing practices.
Auditors also raised concerns about fuel supply arrangements, aircraft leasing contracts and more than $9 million in service fees reportedly collected but not fully traced to airline accounts.
Other findings pointed to discounted ticket sales dominated by agencies linked to airline staff, raising red flags about conflict of interest and suppressed revenues.
These mounting concerns have now culminated in a decisive leadership shake-up ordered by President Yoweri Museveni, who has formally appointed Ethiopian aviation executive Girma Wake to take charge of Uganda Airlines in an interim capacity.
The move is widely viewed as an attempt to stabilise the troubled national carrier and restore confidence in its management and governance systems.
In a February 13, 2026 directive addressed to Works and Transport Minister Gen. Katumba Wamala, Museveni cited “current leadership and management weaknesses in Uganda Airlines” and instructed the minister to immediately formalise Wake’s appointment as Consultant and Advisor.
He further directed that Wake serve as Acting Chief Executive Officer until July 2026, when a substantive CEO is expected to be appointed.
“I hereby direct that you go ahead and appoint Girma Wake as a Consultant/Advisor to assist in rectifying a number of management weaknesses in the airline,” Museveni wrote. “In addition, he is to serve as Acting CEO until we appoint a new CEO by July, 2026.”
At the same time, the President ordered the immediate stepping aside of the current CEO, Jenifer Bamuturaki, directing the airline’s board to facilitate a swift handover and organise all emoluments due to her.
The decision underscores the seriousness with which the government views the governance challenges confronting the airline.
Sources within government say the leadership change was unavoidable given the scale of financial and operational irregularities flagged by auditors and investigators.
Officials believe the airline’s internal controls had weakened significantly, creating room for inefficiencies, revenue leakages and questionable procurement practices that undermined its commercial viability.
Wake’s appointment is therefore seen as a strategic intervention designed to reset management structures and impose commercial discipline. As former chief executive of Ethiopian Airlines from 2004 to 2011, Wake is widely credited with transforming the airline into Africa’s most profitable and professionally run carrier.
His tenure was marked by fleet modernisation, route expansion, strong corporate governance and a results-driven management culture.
Strategic objectives
Government and aviation sector insiders say Museveni’s direct intervention reflects concern that Uganda Airlines was drifting away from its original strategic objectives.
The airline is viewed as a critical national asset for tourism, trade and cargo logistics, particularly as Uganda prepares for first oil production expected in the second half of 2026.
Authorities argue that stabilising the airline’s governance and finances is essential to positioning it as a reliable regional carrier capable of supporting the country’s expanding economy.
With Wake now steering the airline through a transitional phase until July, the government hopes to restore credibility, tighten accountability and lay the groundwork for a sustainable turnaround.
As investigations continue and reforms take shape, the leadership shake-up marks a pivotal moment for Uganda Airlines, with high expectations that the changes will finally address long-standing weaknesses and place the carrier on a firmer commercial footing.
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