KAMPALA, Uganda — Uganda Airlines Acting CEO Mr Girma Wake has revealed that a shortlist of candidates for the position of Chief Executive Officer will be submitted to the airline's Board in September, marking a key milestone in the search for a substantive head of the national carrier.

Speaking during an interview with journalists, Wake expressed confidence in the airline's future, saying Uganda Airlines has weathered a difficult period and is now charting a path toward sustained growth.

"I would say the state of Uganda Airlines is very good. Yes, it has gone through a difficult period, but I believe it has a bright future," Wake said.

Explaining the airline's fleet strategy, Wake said Uganda Airlines selected Boeing aircraft because of the manufacturer's stronger support ecosystem across Africa.

"Uganda Airlines chose Boeing because of its stronger support ecosystem in Africa. While Boeing and Airbus aircraft are broadly comparable, easier access to training, simulators and technical support made Boeing the more practical choice."

Wake emphasized that acquiring aircraft alone does not guarantee the success of a national carrier.

"Most people and governments believe that once they buy an aircraft, the job is done. No. You have to build the infrastructure to make that airline operate properly."

Drawing on his six decades of experience in the aviation industry, the veteran executive reflected on the challenges facing the continent's aviation sector.

"I have been in aviation for the last 60 years. During that time, I have watched African aviation shrink while the rest of the world has continued to grow by leaps and bounds."

He also announced plans to strengthen Uganda's aviation training capacity through the Soroti Flying School, with support from Boeing.

"We shall equip Soroti Flying School to train pilots and aircraft engineers who are ready to work with Uganda Airlines. Boeing has committed to supporting this effort. We did it with Ethiopian Airlines, and we shall do the same here."

Wake stressed that developing skilled local personnel is critical to ensuring the airline's long-term sustainability and reducing dependence on foreign expertise.

Addressing the role of the media, Wake urged journalists to support national development through balanced reporting.

"Media is there to sell the nation, not to destroy it."

His remarks come as Uganda Airlines continues implementing its recovery strategy while advancing plans to strengthen its operational capacity, expand technical training and recruit a substantive Chief Executive Officer to steer the national carrier into its next phase of growth.