Kampala, Uganda — The Office of the President has dismissed reports claiming that President Yoweri Museveni has appointed a new head of Uganda Airlines, saying no such decision has been made.
The clarification follows widespread speculation that Girma Wake, the former Chief Executive Officer of Ethiopian Airlines, had been selected to lead the national carrier. The rumours gained traction after comments shared on social media by Balaam Barugahara, the State Minister for Gender and Social Development in charge of children and youth affairs, who suggested that the President was considering a former Ethiopian Airlines boss for the role.
However, State House confirmed on Friday that while President Museveni held discussions with Girma Wake, no appointment was made. The President’s Senior Press Secretary, Sandor Walusimbi, publicly denied the claims, stating that Wake has not been named as the new head of Uganda Airlines.
The speculation comes shortly after President Museveni removed Uganda Airlines Chief Executive Jenifer Bamuturaki, a move that signaled a major shake-up at the struggling national carrier. The President had earlier ordered investigations into alleged mismanagement at the airline as the government seeks to stabilise operations and improve performance.
Sources close to the matter say the President is considering a complete overhaul of the airline’s management, with the aim of putting in place a professional team capable of operating independently, free from internal conflicts and political interference.
Girma Wake, who served as Ethiopian Airlines CEO between 2004 and 2011 and later chaired its board, is widely respected for overseeing the airline’s expansion into one of Africa’s most successful carriers. Although he is viewed as a strong candidate, State House insists that no final decision has been made regarding Uganda Airlines’ leadership.
Uganda Airlines, which was revived in 2019, continues to face operational and financial challenges. The government says any leadership changes will be guided by the goal of ensuring long-term sustainability, efficiency, and commercial viability of the national carrier.
