President Yoweri Museveni has enlisted renowned aviation expert Ato Girma Wake to temporarily oversee Uganda Airlines as the national carrier navigates a leadership transition and heightened financial scrutiny.
The move follows the departure of Uganda Airlines Chief Executive Officer Jennifer Bamuturaki on February 3, a development that came amid ongoing probes into the airline’s operations, including concerns over high executive salaries, recruitment of unqualified staff, and procurement practices.
Confirming the engagement, President Museveni shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) account:
I met Mr Girma Wake the former CEO of Ethiopian Airlines alongside Mr Robert Kateera at State House today. We discussed matters regarding air transport among other issues. pic.twitter.com/pc4XmzoCXb
— Yoweri K Museveni (@KagutaMuseveni) February 4, 2026
Sources indicate that Wake’s role is temporary, aimed at providing strategic guidance and stabilising oversight while the Uganda Airlines board conducts an open search for a substantive Chief Executive Officer.
The board has publicly advertised the position, setting a March 2 deadline for applications. According to the advert, candidates must possess at least 10 years of senior leadership experience in aviation, alongside strong competencies in strategy, financial management, and corporate governance.
Uganda Airlines’ decision to openly recruit has been welcomed by governance advocates as a step toward transparency at a time when the state-owned carrier is under public and parliamentary scrutiny.
JOB VACANCY
Uganda Airlines is hiring a Chief Executive Officer to join the team.Details: https://t.co/ZtlbfYtSaX
Deadline: 2nd March 2026 pic.twitter.com/yyOlpayu9e
— JobClinicug (@JobclinicUg) February 4, 2026
Who Is Girma Wake?
Born on June 23, 1943, Girma Wake is widely regarded as one of Africa’s most influential aviation leaders, earning the title “Father of African Aviation” for his transformative impact on the sector.
Wake’s career spans more than five decades, most notably at Ethiopian Airlines, which he joined in 1965. Rising through the ranks, he served as CEO from 2004 to 2011, presiding over a period of aggressive expansion that turned the airline into Africa’s most profitable and globally competitive carrier. He later returned as a board member in 2018 and served as Board Chairman from April 2022 until June 2023.
Beyond Ethiopia, Wake has played key advisory roles across the continent. He previously served as Board Chairman of RwandAir and advised the Rwandan government and the President of Togo on aviation policy and airline strategy. Internationally, he also held senior positions at Gulf Air and logistics giant DHL in the Middle East.
Uganda Airlines: Big Ambitions, Lingering Challenges
Revived in 2019 after decades of absence, Uganda Airlines was envisioned as a strategic national asset to boost tourism, facilitate trade, and enhance Uganda’s international profile. Government invested heavily in modern aircraft, including Bombardier CRJ900s for regional routes and Airbus A330-800neos for long-haul operations, positioning Entebbe as a potential regional aviation hub.
The airline currently serves 17 destinations across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. However, despite network growth, Uganda Airlines has continued to post losses and attract criticism over governance, procurement decisions, and human resource management.
Public Opinion Split on Foreign Expertise vs Local Leadership
Wake’s involvement has sparked mixed reactions among the public and aviation stakeholders. Some view his appointment as a smart, stabilising move, arguing that his experience could help Uganda Airlines reform operations and chart a path to profitability.
Others, however, have called for Ugandan leadership at the helm, insisting that nurturing local expertise is essential for the airline’s long-term sustainability and national pride.
As the search for a new CEO unfolds, all eyes will be on whether the combination of seasoned international expertise and domestic oversight can finally help Uganda Airlines realise its ambitious vision.
