Finally: Museveni Confirms Appointment Of Girma Wake Ag Uganda Airlines Boss

By Swift Reporter

Kampala – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has confirmed the appointment of seasoned aviation executive Mr. Girma Wake as Consultant and Acting Chief Executive Officer of Uganda Airlines, citing persistent management weaknesses within the national carrier.

In a directive dated February 13, 2026, addressed to the Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Katumba Wamala, the President said the move is aimed at rectifying leadership and management gaps that have affected the airline’s operations.

“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,” the President stated in the letter.

According to the directive, Mr. Wake will work closely with the Board of Uganda Airlines to stabilize management structures and streamline operations as the government undertakes the process of recruiting a substantive Chief Executive Officer.

The President also directed that the current CEO, Ms. Jenifer Bamuturaki, step aside immediately and formally hand over office to Mr. Wake and the airline’s Board. The Board was instructed to organize and process any emoluments due to her in line with established procedures.

Mr. Wake is widely respected in African aviation circles, having previously held top leadership roles in major airlines across the continent. His appointment is expected to inject experience and strategic oversight into Uganda Airlines at a time when the carrier is seeking to strengthen its governance and commercial performance.

Uganda Airlines, which was revived by the government in 2019, has been working to expand its route network and fleet while navigating operational and financial challenges common to emerging national carriers.

The latest development signals a renewed push by State House to tighten oversight and reposition the airline for long-term sustainability ahead of the appointment of a substantive CEO later this year.