President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has appointed renowned Ethiopian aviation executive Girma Wake as Consultant, Advisor, and Acting Chief Executive Officer of Uganda Airlines with immediate effect.

The appointment, detailed in a directive dated February 13, 2026, addressed to Works and Transport Minister Gen. Katumba Wamala, cites “leadership and management weaknesses” at the national carrier.

Museveni instructed the current CEO, Jenifer Bamuturaki, to step aside and hand over operations immediately.

In the letter, Museveni stated that Wake will serve in the acting role until a substantive CEO is recruited by July 2026.

Wake is also tasked with advising on reforms, stabilizing operations, and supporting the board in the search for permanent top management.

Girma Wake, 83, is widely regarded as one of Africa’s most accomplished aviation leaders.

He served as CEO of Ethiopian Airlines from 2004 to 2011, overseeing significant expansion and profitability during his tenure.

He later chaired the Ethiopian Airlines Group board until June 2023 and previously headed RwandAir’s board from 2012 to 2017.

The move comes amid ongoing scrutiny of Uganda Airlines’ financial performance, governance, procurement practices, and operational challenges since its relaunch in 2019.

The appointment signals a high-level intervention aimed at professionalizing leadership and addressing persistent issues at the state-owned carrier.

Wake’s interim leadership is expected to focus on strengthening management structures, improving financial discipline, and positioning the airline for long-term sustainability.

His extensive experience in African aviation—particularly in building a competitive flag carrier—is seen as a strategic asset during this transition period.

The directive underscores the government’s commitment to revitalizing Uganda Airlines as a key instrument for regional connectivity, trade, and economic growth.

Industry observers view the choice of Wake as a bold step to inject proven expertise into the struggling national carrier.

Wake’s appointment follows recent discussions with President Museveni at State House Entebbe on February 4, 2026, where aviation development and Uganda Airlines’ future were reportedly on the agenda.