President Yoweri Museveni has initiated a major leadership shift at Uganda Airlines, marking a new phase in government efforts to stabilise and reposition the national carrier amid mounting operational and governance challenges.
The President has removed Uganda Airlines Chief Executive Officer Jenifer Bamuturaki from her position, signalling a decisive overhaul of top management as authorities seek to restore confidence in the airline’s direction and performance.
Sources familiar with the decision say Bamuturaki stepped down under pressure, with President Museveni now considering appointing a former Ethiopian Airlines chief executive to steer the state-owned carrier forward.
According to information obtained by The Nile Post, the decision follows an order issued by Museveni last month directing investigations into alleged mismanagement at Uganda Airlines.
The outcome of those concerns appears to have convinced the President that a comprehensive shake-up of the airline’s leadership was necessary.
The move points to a broad management reset, with Museveni reportedly keen on assembling a new executive team capable of addressing internal weaknesses while positioning the airline for long-term commercial sustainability.
Sources indicate that the President wants a leadership structure that can function efficiently without internal friction or undue political interference as Uganda Airlines attempts to unlock its full strategic and commercial potential.
At the centre of the proposed transition is Mr Girma Wake, a respected African aviation executive who served as Chief Executive Officer of Ethiopian Airlines from 2004 to 2011 and later chaired its board.
Mr Wake is said to be among the individuals Museveni is considering as someone capable of taking Uganda Airlines to the next level, drawing on his experience running one of Africa’s most successful carriers.
Signs of Bamuturaki’s impending departure had earlier emerged through an internal email she sent to airline staff.
In the message, she informed employees that the board would soon advertise the position of Chief Executive Officer and encouraged qualified staff members to apply.
“The Board will advertise the position of Chief Executive Officer shortly, and you are all encouraged to apply if you meet the required qualifications,” the email read, adding that the job description and application form would be published on the airline’s website.
The internal communication effectively confirmed that her tenure at the helm of the national carrier was nearing its end and that a formal recruitment process was about to begin.
Bamuturaki’s exit comes after a prolonged period of scrutiny over her leadership.
In 2024, she appeared before Parliament’s Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises as part of the committee’s oversight role over public institutions.
During the appearance, she was asked to present her academic documents, a development that sparked widespread public debate.
Despite the controversy, Uganda Airlines continued to operate under her leadership until the latest decision by the President.
The Uganda Airlines board has yet to issue a standalone public statement on the dismissal.
However, the internal communication to staff suggests that transition arrangements are already underway within the airline.
The recruitment of a new chief executive is expected to be conducted through an open and competitive process.
The possibility of appointing a former Ethiopian Airlines chief executive underscores government’s interest in drawing on proven African aviation expertise.
Ethiopian Airlines is widely regarded as the continent’s most successful airline, known for its strong operational efficiency, extensive fleet expansion, and sustained profitability over several decades.
For employees at Uganda Airlines, the impending leadership vacancy presents a mix of uncertainty and opportunity.
Internal candidates are expected to be allowed to compete for the top job alongside external applicants.
For the wider public, the leadership change represents another pivotal moment for the national carrier.
In recent years, Uganda Airlines has pursued ambitious expansion plans while simultaneously grappling with financial pressures and increased governance scrutiny.
The timing of the appointment and whether the next chief executive will be drawn from within Uganda Airlines or recruited externally has not yet been announced.
Government sources, however, indicate that a decision is expected in the coming weeks as authorities move to stabilise the airline’s leadership and define a clearer path forward.
Credit the Nile Post
