President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has directed the Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Katumba Wamala, to immediately appoint Ethiopian aviation veteran Mr Girma Wake as a Consultant/Advisor and Acting Chief Executive Officer of Uganda Airlines, citing leadership and management weaknesses at the national carrier.
In a letter dated 13th February 2026,written from State House, Kampala, President Museveni said the move is aimed at rectifying a number of management shortcomings within the airline as the government prepares to appoint a substantive CEO by July 2026.
“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,” Museveni wrote.
The President noted that the decision was made following an agreement with Ramadhan, in reference to the Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury, Mr Ramathan Ggoobi.
According to the directive, Mr Wake will work closely with the Uganda Airlines Board until a substantive CEO is appointed.
Museveni also instructed that the current Chief Executive Officer, Ms Jenifer Bamuturaki, be enabled to step aside immediately and hand over the leadership of the airline to Mr Wake and the Board.
“I also direct that the current Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ms Jenifer Bamuturaki, be enabled to step aside immediately and handover to Mr Girma Wake and the Board of Uganda Airlines,” the letter reads.
The President further directed the Board to organise and pay any emoluments due to Ms Bamuturaki.
Uganda Airlines, which resumed operations in 2019 after decades of inactivity, has been central to the government’s regional integration and tourism promotion strategy, but has faced recurring operational and leadership challenges.
The appointment of Girma Wake — a widely respected aviation professional — signals a major shift in the government’s approach as it seeks to stabilise and strengthen the airline’s management ahead of future expansion plans.
