In a dramatic move that has caught many by surprise, President Yoweri Museveni has directed the immediate removal of Jennifer Bamuturaki from her position as Chief Executive Officer of Uganda Airlines.
The decision was communicated in a formal letter written on the eve of Valentine’s Day, Friday 13th February, and addressed to the Minister of Works and Transport.
In the letter, President Museveni instructed Katumba Wamala to work closely with the Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury, Ramathan Goobi, as well as the airline’s Governing Board, to ensure that Bamuturaki immediately steps aside from her office.
The tone of the letter reportedly left no room for delay, emphasizing urgency in the leadership transition.
According to the President’s directive, Bamuturaki is required to hand over office quickly and peacefully. The letter also makes it clear that she should be paid all her due emoluments and benefits as determined by the Governing Board. This indicates that while the decision is firm, it should be handled in a professional and orderly manner.
Taking over the leadership of Uganda Airlines as Acting CEO will be Girma Wake, an 82-year-old Ethiopian aviation expert with decades of experience in airline management. Wake is widely respected in the aviation industry and is known for his role in building strong airline systems in Africa.
President Museveni’s letter directs that Wake be appointed not only as Acting CEO but also as a Consultant and Advisor. His primary task will be to help rectify what the President described as management weaknesses within the national carrier. This suggests that the leadership change is part of a broader plan to stabilize and strengthen the airline.
Uganda Airlines, which was revived in 2019 after years of inactivity, has been seen as a symbol of national pride and economic ambition.
However, like many young airlines, it has faced financial and operational challenges. The President’s letter indicates that he believes urgent corrective measures are needed.
The involvement of Ramathan Goobi in the discussions highlights the financial importance of the airline to the government. As the country’s chief treasury official, Goobi plays a key role in managing public funds. His collaboration with the Minister of Works and Transport signals that the government is treating the matter seriously.
Observers say that appointing Girma Wake could bring valuable international experience to the airline. Wake previously played a significant role in transforming Ethiopian aviation management and is viewed as a seasoned professional capable of guiding complex institutions through difficult periods.
The President has given a clear timeline for this transition. Wake will serve as Acting CEO until July 2026. By that time, a substantive CEO is expected to have been recruited and appointed. This deadline shows that the government intends the arrangement to be temporary but focused.
In his letter, President Museveni emphasized that Wake should work closely with the airline’s Governing Board. This cooperative approach suggests that the new Acting CEO will not act alone but will operate within the existing corporate governance structure.
The sudden removal of Bamuturaki has sparked mixed reactions. Some believe that leadership change was necessary to address ongoing challenges. Others feel that such abrupt decisions can create uncertainty within the organization and among employees.
For Bamuturaki, who had been at the helm of the airline during a critical period of growth and restructuring, the decision marks a significant turning point. Her supporters argue that she worked under difficult circumstances, including global aviation disruptions.
The President’s action reflects his hands-on leadership style. Over the years, Museveni has often intervened directly in sectors he considers strategic to national development. Uganda Airlines clearly falls into that category, given its role in trade, tourism, and international connectivity.
Industry experts note that airlines require strong management, strict financial discipline, and clear strategic planning to succeed. The President’s reference to “management weaknesses” indicates that these areas may have been sources of concern.
The choice of an experienced aviation figure like Wake could help rebuild investor and public confidence. His international background may also strengthen partnerships with other airlines and aviation bodies across Africa and beyond.
At the same time, the government’s promise to ensure that Bamuturaki receives her due benefits suggests an attempt to avoid legal disputes or prolonged conflict. Smooth transitions are important for maintaining institutional stability.
Employees of Uganda Airlines will now look to the new Acting CEO for direction and reassurance. Leadership changes often create anxiety among staff, but they can also open doors for renewed energy and reform.
As the July 2026 deadline approaches, attention will turn to the recruitment of a permanent CEO. Many will be watching to see whether the government opts for a local candidate or seeks further international expertise.
The development also sends a message about accountability in public institutions. By intervening, the President appears to be signaling that performance and management standards must be upheld, especially in state-owned enterprises.
In the coming months, the success or failure of this decision will become clearer. If Uganda Airlines stabilizes and improves under Girma Wake’s guidance, the move may be seen as timely and strategic. If challenges persist, questions will continue about long-term leadership and governance.
For now, Uganda’s national carrier enters a new chapter, shaped by presidential directive, experienced aviation leadership, and the urgent hope that the airline will overcome its internal challenges and soar to greater heights.
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