BY CTV REPORTER
Kampala — Uganda Airlines Chief Executive Officer Jennifer Bamuturaki has been dismissed from her position, bringing to an end a turbulent and controversial leadership period at the national carrier marked by sustained losses, investigations, and operational failures.
Bamuturaki, who has served as CEO for nearly five years part of it in an acting capacity signaled her impending exit on Monday through an internal circular to staff, announcing that the Board of Directors would soon advertise the CEO position.
The Board will advertise the post of Chief Executive Officer shortly, and you are all encouraged to apply if you meet the required qualifications, the internal communication read.
The message effectively confirmed that Bamuturaki would not remain at the airline for long.
During her tenure, Uganda Airlines was subjected to three major investigations, including a 2024 probe by Parliament’s Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities, and State Enterprises (COSASE) following continued financial losses.
At the center of the COSASE inquiry was a reported UGX 237.8 billion loss incurred in the 2023/2024 financial year, as cited in the Auditor General’s report. The losses were attributed to mismanagement, undue overpayments, and high aircraft maintenance costs, among other governance failures.
Last month, the airline was also investigated jointly by the Police Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, focusing on allegations of corruption, abuse of office, and mismanagement. This investigation has been running alongside an internal inquiry by the airline’s Board of Directors, which summoned Bamuturaki and her senior management team to respond to allegations including procurement malpractices that allegedly caused significant financial damage to the company.
Sources indicate that the State House and police probe followed a September meeting at State House chaired by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, which reportedly sealed Bamuturaki’s fate. Her explanations regarding the airline’s underperformance were said to be unconvincing, with the President allegedly dismissing her from the meeting in anger.
In her defense, Bamuturaki and her team attributed the losses to high global jet fuel prices, aircraft leasing costs, difficulties in sourcing spare parts, and high depreciation expenses. However, COSASE members rejected these explanations, accusing the airline of procuring outdated aircraft, resulting in excessive maintenance costs.
Additional allegations included a “ticket scam” involving an internal syndicate, which allegedly caused losses of USD 253,189, alongside violations of the Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets Act, embezzlement, and general abuse of office.
Operational challenges further damage the airline’s image. Over the past year, passengers have endured frequent flight delays and cancellations, some lasting days, often without communication or explanation. The Board demanded accountability for the lack of information provided to stranded passengers and requested detailed reports on flight disruptions, affected customers, and associated costs.
An official at the airline interpreted Bamuturaki’s circular as a signal to potential internal successors or an attempt to manage the expected backlash surrounding her departure. The official also hinted that other top managers could be dismissed alongside the CEO.
Meanwhile, speculation has intensified that her removal may have come too late, as a replacement may already have been identified. The name most frequently mentioned is Girma Wake, a renowned Ethiopian aviation executive.
Wake, born in 1943, served as CEO of Ethiopian Airlines from 2004 to 2011, presiding over a period of rapid growth and transformation. He later served as Board Chairman of Ethiopian Airlines between 2022 and 2023. However, his possible appointment remains unconfirmed, pending an official announcement.
As Uganda Airlines prepares to appoint new leadership, attention now turns to whether a new CEO can restore public confidence, improve governance, and place the national carrier on a sustainable financial and operational path.
For now, Jennifer Bamuturaki’s exit closes one of the most controversial chapters in the airline’s short history.
