Museveni’s Shock Axe on Uganda Airlines Boss: Wake Steps In Amid Scandal StormP
President Yoweri Museveni has dramatically sacked Uganda Airlines CEO Jennifer Bamuturaki with immediate effect, appointing aviation veteran Girma Wake as acting CEO and consultant, spotlighting deep governance woes at the national carrier.
“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,” the directive read.
This bold move, echoing regional aviation shake-ups, underscores Museveni’s hands-on grip on state firms amid losses and probes—much like Kenya’s own airline battles.
As East Africa’s skies heat up with competition from Kenya Airways, this leadership purge signals Uganda’s push for turnaround, blending politics, business, and anti-corruption drives.
“Mr Girma Wake will work hand in hand with the Board until a substantive Chief Executive Officer is appointed,” the letter signed by President Museveni read in part.
Bamuturaki’s Turbulent Reign: From Rise to Fall
Jennifer Bamuturaki, who helmed Uganda Airlines for nearly five years (part acting), expanded routes to London and Mumbai but oversaw ballooning losses topping Shs230 billion ($62 million).
Her February 2, 2026, internal memo hinted at exit, announcing a CEO job advert amid board pressure. Parliament’s COSASE grilled her in 2024 over audits, procurement scandals, and revenue leaks via shady ticketing agencies.
Flight delays stranded passengers for days without updates, eroding trust while CID and State House Anti-Corruption Unit probe embezzlement claims. A September 2025 State House meeting reportedly infuriated Museveni over “leadership weaknesses,” sealing her fate.
This parallels it to regional flag carrier woes, where taxpayer bailouts fuel public ire.
Wake’s Appointment: Ethiopian Expertise Takes WingIn a February 13 directive, Museveni ordered Wake ex-Ethiopian Airlines exec as acting CEO until July 2026, tasking him to fix ops and hand over to Bamuturaki.
Wake’s interim role eyes Mesfin Tasew Bekele (Ethiopian CEO) as possible permanent hire, leveraging Addis’ profit model. This Ethiopia tilt irks nationalists but promises stability; Uganda Airlines, launched 2019 with CRJ-90s and A330s, needs it amid debt and ghost flights.
Deeper Scandals: Losses, Probes, and Taxpayer Fury
Uganda Airlines’ woes: disputed plane buys, unaccounted fees, conflicts in ticketing fueling Shs230bn hole despite route growth. Public X backlash, led by Nicholas Opiyo, slams “mafia syndicate.” COSASE demanded reports on disruptions costing millions.
Museveni’s intervention recalls 2022 board shake-up, showing his airline oversight.