Jenipher Bamuturaki, the Chief Executive Officer of Uganda Airlines, has been effectively relieved of her post following directives from President Yoweri Museveni and the airline’s board.
The move, confirmed through an internal communication she sent to staff on February 2, 2026, signals the end of her nearly four-year tenure at the helm of the national carrier.
In the email circulated to employees, Bamuturaki announced that the board would shortly advertise the CEO position and encouraged qualified internal candidates to apply.
The message, while phrased neutrally, marks a clear indication that her contract—originally set to expire—will not be renewed, and her leadership role is concluding.
Sources close to the matter describe the decision as a dismissal driven by performance concerns, with the board citing persistent underperformance.
Bamuturaki’s exit stems from a pivotal September 2025 meeting at State House, where President Museveni reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with explanations regarding the airline’s mounting losses, disputed aircraft procurement decisions, and unresolved governance issues.
According to multiple reports, the President abruptly asked her to leave the session, declaring, “Leave, you, go away,” a moment insiders say sealed her fate.
Rather than approving a contract extension, Museveni instructed the board to advertise the CEO role openly to attract competent leadership.
Revived in 2019 as a symbol of national pride, Uganda Airlines has struggled financially under Bamuturaki’s watch. The carrier posted losses of approximately Shs324.9 billion in 2022/23 and Shs237.8 billion in 2023/24, with cumulative deficits reportedly exceeding Shs1.3 trillion in taxpayer funds according to critics.
Operational challenges, including flight disruptions, grounded aircraft, and route expansion difficulties, have drawn public and parliamentary scrutiny.
Bamuturaki, who rose from acting CEO in 2021 to substantive head in July 2022 via a presidential directive bypassing open recruitment, faced earlier questions over her qualifications and appointment process.
Speculation is rife about her successor.
Some sources suggest the government is eyeing Girma Wake, the former long-serving CEO and ex-board chairman of Ethiopian Airlines (2004–2011, chairman 2022–2023), known for steering that carrier through rapid growth.
His potential appointment could signal a push for expertise from the region’s aviation powerhouse to stabilize Uganda Airlines.
The board, chaired by Priscilla Mirembe Sseruka, has framed the advertisement as a step toward professionalizing leadership and addressing systemic issues.
Bamuturaki’s departure comes as the airline plans fleet expansion—aiming for three more aircraft by August 2026—and new routes, including to Cape Town.
As Uganda Airlines navigates this transition amid economic pressures and competition, the leadership change underscores broader efforts to turn around the loss-making entity and fulfill its mandate as a viable national flag carrier.
