Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni has appointed veteran aviation executive and former CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, Girma Wake, as interim CEO and advisor of Uganda Airlines.
Museveni directed Minister of Works and Transport Edward Katumba Wamala to appoint Wake to serve as acting CEO until a substantive chief is identified in July, according to a State House statement issued late Monday.
In addition to overseeing day-to-day leadership, he will guide the recruitment and vetting process for the next CEO.
Wake, who served as Ethiopian Airlines CEO in 2004-2011, has been tasked with rectifying management weaknesses in Uganda Airlines, the statement said.
He takes over from Jenifer Bamuturaki, who announced her resignation last month amid mounting scrutiny over the airlines’ financial performance and persistent losses.
The Ugandan national carrier has also faced public criticism over operational challenges, including missed flights, repeated schedule changes and limited passenger support at Entebbe International Airport.
In a February 13 directive to Wamala, Museveni referenced “current leadership and management weaknesses in Uganda Airlines” and instructed the minister to formalise Wake’s new appointment.
MG/as/APA