By Johnson Byamukama
President Museveni has formally appointed Ethiopian aviation executive Girma Wake to take charge of Uganda Airlines in an interim capacity, in a decisive move aimed at stabilising the national carrier amid mounting governance and management concerns.
In a February 13, 2026 directive to Works and Transport Minister Gen. Katumba Wamala, the President referenced “current leadership and management weaknesses in Uganda Airlines” and instructed the minister to immediately formalise Wake’s appointment as Consultant/Advisor.
“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.
The President further directed that Wake serve as Acting Chief Executive Officer until July 2026, when a substantive CEO is expected to be appointed.
“In addition, he is to serve as Acting CEO until we appoint a new CEO by July, 2026,” Museveni stated in the letter, adding that Wake will work hand in hand with the Board until a permanent chief executive is in place.
In the same directive, Museveni ordered the immediate stepping aside of the current CEO, Jenifer Bamuturaki.
