President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has directed the Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, to appoint Girma Wake as Acting Chief Executive Officer of Uganda Airlines, effectively relieving Jennifer Bamuturaki of her duties.
Earlier this month, Museveni met Girma Wake, a retired aviation executive and former chairman of the Ethiopian Airlines Group, at State House Entebbe.
“I met Mr. Girma Wake, the former CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, alongside Robert Kateera at State House today. We discussed matters regarding air transport, among other issues,” Museveni said.
In a subsequent letter to Gen. Katumba, the President cited leadership and management weaknesses at Uganda Airlines.
“Reference is made to the current leadership and management weaknesses in Uganda Airlines. 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 wrote.
He added that Girma Wake will serve as Acting CEO until a substantive Chief Executive Officer is appointed by July 2026, working closely with the airline’s Board.
“I also direct that the current Chief Executive Officer, Jenifer Bamuturaki, be enabled to step aside immediately and hand over to Girma Wake and the Board of Uganda Airlines. The Board should go ahead and organize whatever emoluments are due to her,” Museveni stated.
Investigations and Financial Scrutiny
The leadership changes come amid ongoing investigations into allegations of abuse of office, embezzlement of funds, and false accounting involving officials at Uganda Airlines.
The probes, being conducted jointly by the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) and the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, focus on several financial transactions undertaken by the national carrier.
In a letter reportedly addressed to Bamuturaki, the Deputy Director of CID in charge of Economic Fraud and Anti-Corruption, Lumala Fred, requested certified copies of key documents, including the approved National Airline Business and Implementation Plan, the 2024/2025 financial year budget, and Contracts Committee minutes authorising the purchase of Boeing aircraft.
Investigators also demanded procurement files relating to Mihmet Flight Support Services, Associated Energy Group, Nyanzi Tours and Travel, and Aircraft Leasing Services (ALS) Limited. Additional records requested include documentation on the construction of Uganda Airlines offices in Entebbe, the airline’s internal audit report for the 2024/2025 financial year, revenue accounting and ticketing data, fuel expenditure transactions, and details of companies involved in launching the airline’s London route.
Operational Disruptions and Public Backlash
The investigations coincide with growing public criticism following operational disruptions at Entebbe International Airport. Passengers have reported missed flights, repeated rescheduling, and limited communication from airline staff. Images circulating on social media showed travellers stranded at check-in counters.
In a December 13 statement, Uganda Airlines acknowledged the disruptions and said efforts were underway to restore normal schedules. However, affected passengers continued to express frustration over cancellations and prolonged delays, including flights to Zanzibar and return services that were postponed multiple times.
Sources attributed part of the disruption to capacity constraints linked to the Airbus A330-800neo fleet. The airline later confirmed that technical challenges affecting some aircraft contributed to delays and cancellations, adding that corrective measures were being implemented.
Bamuturaki apologised to passengers, explaining that with a fleet of seven aircraft, grounding even one or two for maintenance can significantly disrupt the network.
“With a fleet of seven aircraft, grounding one or two for maintenance or technical checks inevitably affects the entire network,” she said.
She dismissed online claims that long-haul aircraft had been stranded in destinations such as London and Lagos, maintaining that international operations remained functional despite scheduling difficulties. She also cited industry-wide challenges, including Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs), which can restrict airport slot availability and limit flexibility during disruptions.
Broader Debate Over the Airline’s Future
The situation has reignited debate over Uganda Airlines’ performance and sustainability. Investigative journalist Andrew Mwenda described the developments as indicative of operational decline, alleging mismanagement and calling for sweeping leadership changes.
Aviation analysts, however, caution that airlines operating small fleets are particularly vulnerable to technical setbacks, especially amid global supply-chain delays affecting aircraft parts and maintenance schedules.
Despite the turbulence, Uganda Airlines maintains that stabilising operations and rebuilding passenger confidence remain its immediate priorities as regulators intensify scrutiny of both operational and financial management.
