President Yoweri Museveni has moved to stabilise Uganda Airlines by engaging a veteran Ethiopian Airlines executive as an interim leader and consultant, as the national carrier grapples with heavy financial losses, governance issues, and leadership shake-ups.
Former Ethiopian Airlines CEO Girma Wake — who led that airline from 2004 to 2011 and is widely credited with transforming it into one of Africa’s most successful carriers — has met with Museveni at State House Entebbe to discuss his new role overseeing a leadership transition at Uganda Airlines.
Wake’s involvement is meant to help assess the existing management team, restore professionalism and credibility, and support the board in finding a permanent chief executive officer.
While no formal appointment has yet been announced, sources say Wake will serve as interim executive and consultant as the airline’s board recruits a new CEO.
The recruitment advert, published recently, sets a March 2, 2026, deadline for applications, signalling an open and competitive process to find a substantive leader for the airline.
Wake’s selection comes after the dismissal of long-time CEO Jenifer Bamuturaki, following mounting criticism over the airline’s operational performance, alleged governance lapses, and significant financial losses. In the 2024/25 financial year, Uganda Airlines recorded a loss of about UGX 230.8 billion, despite revenue growth, underscoring the ongoing challenges facing the state-owned carrier.
The airline has also faced intense scrutiny from parliamentary committees and audits, with lawmakers and aviation experts warning that deeper structural reforms are necessary alongside changes in leadership. Some critics argue that simply replacing the CEO will not resolve systemic weaknesses unless accompanied by robust governance reforms.
Joining Wake in the transitional team is Ugandan pilot Robert Kateera, who will work with the interim leadership as part of efforts to professionalise the airline’s management and improve operational efficiency.
State House and Uganda Airlines officials have not yet publicly commented on Wake’s specific role or contract details. However, the move reflects a broader push by the government to revamp the national carrier, reassure stakeholders, and steer Uganda Airlines toward financial sustainability and better service delivery.
