Veteran Aviation Executive Girma Wake Tipped to Lead Uganda Airlines
Kampala, Uganda | Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Influential voices within the Ugandan government are reportedly pushing for the appointment of renowned aviation veteran Girma Wake as the new chief executive of Uganda Airlines, following the recent removal of CEO Jenifer Bamuturaki.
The proposal was publicly floated by veteran journalist and businessman Andrew Mwenda, who welcomed President Yoweri Museveni’s decision to dismiss Bamuturaki, describing it as saving the national carrier from “corrupt and incompetent” leadership. Mwenda specifically credited Presidential Advisor on Special Operations, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, for a decisive intervention.
In a statement on social media, Mwenda laid out a vision for the airline’s revival, suggesting that former Ethiopian Airlines CEO Girma Wake should take over as board chairman. He further proposed that the current CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, whose contract in Addis Ababa expires in June, should be appointed as Uganda Airlines’ new CEO.
“It will be great if former Ethiopian Airways CEO, Girma Wake, takes over as chairman of the board… We also need a new much more competent board,” Mwenda wrote.
Reports indicate that Mwenda’s suggestion has found support among some senior government figures. This aligns with a perceived preference by President Museveni for an experienced aviation expert from Ethiopia, a country whose national carrier is seen as a model of success in Africa.
A Proven Track Record
Girma Wake is widely celebrated for transforming Ethiopian Airlines into Africa’s most profitable carrier during his tenure as CEO from 2004 to 2011. His strategies included modernizing the fleet, aggressively expanding routes, and fostering professional management with limited political interference. He championed long-term planning, staff training, and the development of Addis Ababa’s Bole International Airport into a major continental hub.
His legacy includes the early adoption of advanced aircraft like the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and strengthening the airline’s global network through the Star Alliance. Post his CEO role, Wake remained a towering figure in African aviation, serving as Chairman of Ethiopian Airlines Group and advising other airlines and governments.
Concerns and Other Candidates
However, the potential move has drawn some cautious reactions. Observers have pointed to Wake’s advanced age as a consideration and warned that bypassing an open, transparent recruitment process could entrench patronage and lead to poor performance.
Other names being circulated as potential candidates include another former Ethiopian Airlines CEO, Tewolde Gebremariam, now a private businessman with Boeing, and Abeba Angessa, who previously headed Ethiopian Airlines’ Uganda office and is said to have long-held interest in the role.
The leadership change at Uganda Airlines has sparked significant public interest, with figures like Tooro Kingdom leaders expressing dismay over Bamuturaki’s ouster, highlighting the political and regional sensitivities surrounding the national carrier.
About The Author
