A leaked letter dated February 13, 2026, has revealed that President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has ordered a major leadership change at Uganda Airlines, citing persistent management weaknesses at the national carrier.
According to the letter, the President has directed the appointment of Girma Wake, the former Chief Executive Officer of Ethiopian Airlines, as consultant and acting CEO of Uganda Airlines until July 2026.
Wake’s interim assignment will see him work closely with the airline’s board to identify and fix key operational and strategic gaps that have continued to weigh down the struggling carrier. His vast experience in steering one of Africa’s most successful airlines is expected to inject fresh discipline and technical expertise into Uganda Airlines’ management.
Meanwhile, the current Chief Executive Officer, Jennifer Bamuturaki, has been directed to step aside to allow the transition. The letter notes that she will continue to receive her full emoluments, signaling an orderly and respectful handover rather than a dismissal.
The sudden leadership shake-up underscores the broader challenges facing Uganda Airlines since its relaunch in 2019. Despite ambitious plans, the airline has struggled with delayed route expansion, operational inefficiencies, and mounting financial losses, all while facing stiff competition from established regional carriers.
With Girma Wake at the helm, even temporarily, government insiders believe the airline stands a better chance of stabilising operations, tightening management systems, and restoring confidence in Uganda’s national flag carrier.
As regional aviation competition intensifies, the coming months will be critical in determining whether this high-profile intervention can finally put Uganda Airlines back on a sustainable flight path.
