The Ugandan government has turned to former Ethiopian Airlines CEO Girma Wake to help rescue its national carrier during a major leadership shakeup. President Yoweri Museveni met with the aviation veteran at State House Entebbe on February 2, 2026, and reportedly discussed the country’s struggling aviation sector.
While State House officially described the meeting as a general discussion on air transport, the timing points to a more urgent rescue mission. Uganda Airlines is currently reeling from the recent dismissal of CEO Jennifer Bamuturaki and a string of heavy financial losses that have sparked public outcry over mismanagement.
According to media reports from Kampala, Girma Wake—the African aviation titan credited with turning Ethiopian Airlines into a global powerhouse—will serve as an interim consultant in a high-level advisory role aimed at ‘sorting out the mess.
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Following widespread social media speculation, State House has moved to manage expectations. Senior Press Secretary Sandor Walusimbi clarified that no appointment has yet been made for the position of Chief Executive Officer.
At 82, Girma remains a titan of African aviation. During his time as CEO (2004–2011) and later as Board Chairman of Ethiopian Airlines, he became famous for his ‘hands-off’ policy regarding political interference. By bringing him in, Kampala is signaling a desperate need to shift Uganda Airlines toward a disciplined, commercial business model.
