President Yoweri Museveni has appointed Girma Wake, a renowned Ethiopian aviation veteran, as the Acting CEO of Uganda Airlines, effective immediately. This move comes as a result of “current leadership and management weaknesses” within the national carrier.
In a letter dated 13th February 2026, which was addressed to Gen Katumba Wamala, the Minister of Works and Transport, on the way forward in the leadership of Uganda Airlines, Museveni addressed the minister and former army commander on the current leadership and management weaknesses in Uganda Airlines.
According to the president, Girma Wake, former CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, will serve in a dual capacity as Advisor and Acting CEO until a substantive CEO is appointed by July 2026.
“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,” Museveni told Minister Katumba Wamala.
“In addition, he is to serve as Acting CEO until we appoint a new CEO by July, 2026, as I had agreed with Ramadhan. Mr. Girma Wake will work hand in hand with the Board until a substantive Chief Executive Officer is appointed.”
Girma Wake replaces Jennifer Bamuturaki, who has been ordered to step aside and hand over to Wake and the Uganda Airlines Board.
“I also direct that the current, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ms. Jennifer Bamuturaki be enabled to step aside immediately and handover to Mr. Girma Wake and the Board of Uganda Airlines,” the president ordered.
“The Board should go ahead and organize whatever emoluments are due to her.”
Girma Wake’s appointment is seen as a strategic move to stabilize and professionalize Uganda Airlines, leveraging his expertise in transforming Ethiopian Airlines into a profitable and globally competitive group.
His primary mandate includes overseeing a comprehensive executive transition, guiding the recruitment of a new CEO and senior management team, and establishing a transitional leadership structure.
Museveni met Girma Wake recently to discuss his new role.
It should be remembered that Jennifer Bamuturaki had secured the Uganda Airlines CEO Job Without required academic papers and experience, as reported Here.
You can see how much money Jennifer Bamuturaki and other top Uganda Airlines bosses were earning every month Here.
