Bye Bye Bamuturaki? Museveni Meets Ethiopian Airlines Ex-Boss Girma Wake

By Frank Kamuntu

Speculation over a leadership change at Uganda Airlines intensified following reports that President Yoweri Museveni has appointed former Ethiopian Airlines chief executive Girma Wake as the new head of the national carrier. However, State House has since clarified that no such appointment has yet been made.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Presidential Press Secretary Mr Sandor Walusimbi dismissed claims circulating on social media that Mr Wake had been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Uganda Airlines.

“Hi folks! It is not true that the President @KagutaMuseveni has appointed anyone to the position of CEO of Uganda Airlines. The public is advised to disregard all social media messages claiming otherwise,” Mr Walusimbi said.

He explained that President Museveni on Tuesday met Mr Wake, the former Chief Executive Officer of Ethiopian Airlines, at State House, where they held discussions on aviation management and other related issues.

“The President yesterday met Mr Girma Wake, former CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, and held discussions on aviation management among other topics,” Mr Walusimbi added.

The clarification follows widespread speculation after President Museveni posted on X that he had met Mr Wake alongside Ugandan pilot Robert Kateera, noting that their discussions centred on air transport.

The meeting quickly triggered public debate about the future leadership of Uganda Airlines, with some government officials and commentators welcoming what they believed was an imminent appointment of Mr Wake, who is widely regarded as one of Africa’s most accomplished aviation executives.

Mr Wake served as CEO of Ethiopian Airlines from 2004 to 2011 and is credited with playing a central role in transforming the airline into a profitable, globally competitive carrier with an extensive international network.

Although State House has denied that any appointment has been made, the meeting between President Museveni and Mr Wake has fuelled expectations of possible changes at the airline, particularly as government continues to explore ways of strengthening management and improving performance.