Reports emerging from aviation and government circles indicate that former Ethiopian Airlines Chief Executive Officer Girma Wake is expected to play a key role in managing the leadership transition at Uganda Airlines as the national carrier searches for a substantive Chief Executive Officer.
The development follows a high-level meeting at State House between President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, Wake, and Mr Robert Kateera, during which discussions focused on air transport and related strategic issues. While no formal appointment has been announced, sources say Wake is likely to be engaged in a transitional or advisory capacity as the airline undergoes a management reset.
Uganda Airlines is currently in the process of recruiting a new CEO after incumbent chief executive Jenifer Bamuturaki informed staff through an internal circular that the airline’s Board would soon advertise the position. The communication has widely been interpreted as confirmation that a leadership change is imminent.
Wake, a veteran aviation executive, served as CEO of Ethiopian Airlines between 2004 and 2011, overseeing a period of rapid growth that transformed the carrier into one of Africa’s most successful airlines. He later served as chairman of the airline’s board, reinforcing his reputation as a turnaround specialist with deep experience in fleet management, route expansion, and institutional reform.
Sources familiar with the matter say the decision to bring in an external figure to oversee the transition reflects concerns within government and the airline’s shareholder about governance, operational reliability, and sustained financial losses at Uganda Airlines. The carrier has in recent months faced parliamentary scrutiny, internal board inquiries, and criminal investigations linked to alleged mismanagement and procurement irregularities.
The airline has also struggled with persistent flight disruptions, including prolonged delays and cancellations, which have drawn criticism over weak communication with passengers and poor crisis-response mechanisms.
While officials have not clarified the scope or duration of Wake’s expected role, insiders say his presence is intended to stabilise operations, reassure stakeholders, and guide the board through the recruitment of a permanent CEO.
Neither State House nor Uganda Airlines has issued an official statement confirming Wake’s involvement, and the airline maintains that the CEO recruitment process remains open and competitive.
In his tweet after meeting Mr Girma, Museveni said, “We discussed matters regarding air transport, among other issues.”
However, with the transition now underway, the reported engagement of a seasoned regional aviation executive is being viewed as an indicator that authorities are seeking a decisive break from past management practices as Uganda Airlines attempts to restore confidence and chart a new course.
