Jenifer Bamuturaki’s possible replacement at Uganda Airlines revealed

• Museveni sacked Uganda Airlines CEO Jenifer Bamuturaki over performance concerns

• Andrew Mwenda praised the decision and credited Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s intervention

• Former Ethiopian Airlines chairman Gilma Wake is being tipped as a possible replacement

Following the sacking of Uganda Airlines Chief Executive Officer Jenifer Bamuturaki by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, several high-profile names have started circulating as possible replacements, sparking intense debate within aviation and political circles.

The country has become aware of reports that President Museveni strongly opposed the reappointment of Bamuturaki due to what State House reportedly viewed as persistent failures at the national carrier, which was re-established in 2019 after decades of collapse.

Bamuturaki, who was controversially appointed in 2023, is said to have fallen far below the expectations of the President, with Uganda Airlines grappling with mounting operational challenges, governance concerns, and financial inefficiencies during her tenure.

Among the key names now being hinted at is former Ethiopian Airlines chairman Gilma Wake, one of Africa’s most respected aviation executives. The possibility was raised by veteran journalist and political commentator Andrew Mwenda, who publicly welcomed Bamuturaki’s dismissal and credited President Museveni for what he described as a decisive intervention.

Taking to his official X (formerly Twitter) page, Mwenda wrote:

“I would like to thank @KagutaMuseveni for finally saving Uganda Airlines by firing its corrupt and incompetent CEO. I also thank @mkainerugaba whose intervention was decisive.”

Mwenda further suggested a complete leadership overhaul at the national carrier, proposing that Gilma Wake takes over as chairman of the board, while the current CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, whose contract reportedly ends in June this year, be appointed as the new Uganda Airlines CEO.

“It will be great if former Ethiopian Airways CEO, Gilma Wake, takes over as chairman of the board and the current CEO of the same airline, whose contract in Addis Ababa ends this June, takes over as CEO. We also need a new, much more competent board,” Mwenda added.

In his statement, Mwenda claimed that President Museveni’s decision marked a turning point for the struggling airline and called it a moment of national relief.

“Today is a day for Ugandans to celebrate. All the good, competent and patriotic staff of Uganda Airlines who had been fired will be returned. Those who were working inside and provided us all the needed information will be rewarded,” he said.

He further warned that individuals who allegedly colluded with what he termed “corrupt management” would be held accountable.

“All those who colluded with the corrupt management to swindle our airline will be brought to book.”

Neither Uganda Airlines nor government officials have yet officially commented on the proposed leadership changes, but the public discussion has renewed calls for professionalism, transparency, and strong corporate governance at the national carrier.