President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has appointed seasoned aviation executive Girma Wake as Acting Chief Executive Officer of Uganda Airlines, in a decisive attempt to stabilise the national carrier amid persistent operational weaknesses and leadership challenges.
The February 13 directive instructs the Ministry of Works and Transport to immediately install Wake — formerly Chief Executive Officer and later Chairman of the Board of Ethiopian Airlines — in a dual role as Consultant/Advisor and Acting CEO.
He will work closely with the airline’s board to rectify “management weaknesses,” a phrase that alludes to governance concerns and consistent financial losses that have dogged the carrier since its relaunch.
Wake’s interim leadership is set to last until a substantive CEO is appointed by July 2026, aligning with ongoing recruitment efforts that just weeks earlier saw the airline advertise for a “visionary” chief executive.
The transfer of power follows the departure of Jenifer Bamuturaki, whose tenure at the helm was marred by controversy and losses despite expansion into new routes. Board communications and audit findings suggest that Uganda Airlines has struggled with governance discipline, route profitability, and financial transparency — problems that precipitated the search for fresh strategic direction.
Wake’s legacy at Ethiopian Airlines — recognised across Africa for disciplined management, fleet modernisation, and strategic network growth — positions him as a credible steward to lead critical reforms.
His appointment is a significant shift from internal leadership to experienced external management, aimed at restoring credibility with investors, partners, and the travelling public.
However, success will depend on his ability to institute structural change in a carrier long accused of political interference in operational decisions