Uganda Airlines CEO Steps Aside Amid Heavy Losses and Corruption Probe
KAMPALA—Uganda Airlines’ Chief Executive Officer Jennifer Bamuturaki has stepped aside from her role, the carrier’s board confirmed, as the state-owned airline faces mounting financial losses and an ongoing corruption investigation.
Bamuturaki, who has led the national airline since July 2022, will vacate the position while the board prepares to advertise the role internally. The move follows a reported intervention by President Yoweri Museveni, who expressed strong dissatisfaction with the airline’s governance during a meeting in September 2025.
Financial and Legal Troubles
The airline reported a net loss of UGX 230.81 billion (about $62 million) for the 2024/25 fiscal year, despite revenue growth from new routes. Since its relaunch in 2019, the government has injected nearly UGX 1 trillion in financial support to keep the airline operational.
In January 2026, the Criminal Investigations Directorate and the State House Anti-Corruption Unit opened a probe into alleged embezzlement, abuse of office, and unbanked fees totaling UGX 35 billion at the airline.
Reactions and Calls for Change
The announcement triggered strong reactions from public figures. Veteran journalist Andrew M. Mwenda took to social media to thank President Museveni for “finally saving Uganda Airlines by firing its corrupt and incompetent CEO.” He also credited Presidential Advisor on Special Duties Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba for a decisive intervention.
In his post, which garnered over 97,000 views, Mwenda suggested that former Ethiopian Airlines CEO Tewolde GebreMariam (referred to as “Gilma Wake” in the post) could take over as board chairman, and that the current CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, whose contract ends in June, could become the new CEO. He also called for a new board and the reinstatement of “good, competent and patriotic staff” who had been dismissed.
Meanwhile, lawyer and human rights activist Nicholas Opiyo was among critics calling for accountability, suggesting jail time for those involved in corruption.
What Comes Next
Speculation is growing that replacements could include experienced figures from Ethiopian Airlines, which is seen as a model for successful African aviation. The board is expected to move quickly to fill the leadership vacuum as the airline seeks to stabilize operations and restore public confidence.
This story is based on official reports and public statements and may be updated as new information emerges.
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