Uganda Airlines: How Andrew Mwenda Brokered Girma Wake's Turnaround Role

The struggling national carrier, Uganda Airlines, is undergoing a major leadership change. This follows years of operational chaos and financial distress.

Journalist and political commentator Andrew Mwenda emerged as the central figure. He brokered the transition from the troubled tenure of CEO Jenifer Bamuturaki. This pivotal move, announced in early February 2026, aims to salvage the airline.

The Brokering of an Aviation Veteran

Mr. Mwenda, a close ally of President Yoweri Museveni, used his influence to advocate for expert intervention. He publicly championed the need for a leader with the caliber of Girma Wake. Wake is the legendary former CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest carrier. Mwenda’s efforts culminated in a high-level meeting at State House. This meeting positioned Wake as a transitional advisor and interim executive.

Wake's mandate is to stabilize daily operations. He will also guide the search for a new, substantive chief executive officer. His involvement signals a strategic shift toward professional aviation management. Wake previously led Ethiopian Airlines from 2004 to 2011. This period is credited with laying the groundwork for its massive growth and profitability.

Financial Hemorrhage and Operational Crisis

The leadership change follows intense scrutiny over the airline's performance. Under Ms. Bamuturaki's tenure, losses mounted significantly. Parliamentary probes reported staggering losses for the national carrier. Uganda Airlines recorded Shs324.9 billion in the 2022/23 fiscal year. This was followed by Shs237.8 billion in 2023/24.

Operational issues also plagued the carrier. Chronic flight delays and passenger strandings became commonplace. Key aircraft, including an Airbus A330, were reportedly grounded far from home base. Mwenda’s public criticism highlighted a critical financial risk. He pointed to unremitted $50-per-passenger fees to the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA). This debt, totaling an estimated $100 million, risked ICAO sanctions and grounding.

The Path to CEO Exit

Ms. Bamuturaki, appointed in 2021, faced accusations of corruption and abuse of office. These were investigated by the Uganda Police and the State House Anti-Corruption Unit. A pivotal September 2025 meeting with President Museveni exposed her shortcomings. This led to her abrupt ejection from the session. By February 2, 2026, the board resolved to re-advertise the CEO position. This move, approved by President Museveni, cited poor performance as the reason for her exit.

Industry Impact and Outlook

The intervention by an influential political figure to secure a top-tier aviation executive is highly unusual. It underscores the political stakes tied to the national carrier's fate. Girma Wake’s expertise offers a chance to restore operational discipline. It could also rebuild international confidence in Uganda Airlines. His interim role is expected to focus on:

• Establishing a transitional leadership structure.
• Stabilizing daily flight operations.
• Guiding the recruitment of a new management team.

However, industry experts warn that leadership change alone is not a complete solution. Structural reforms are necessary to ensure long-term stability. The airline must resolve its substantial debt and empower a competent board. Without these changes, the carrier risks repeating its history of financial and operational failures. The brokered shift, driven by personal networks, now faces the challenge of delivering concrete solutions for African aviation.

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