Uganda Airlines is preparing for a major executive transition, with President Yoweri Museveni engaging Girma Wake, the former CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, to provide guidance during this critical period. 

President Museveni and Girma Wake met at State House to discuss the challenges facing Uganda Airlines leadership. During the meeting, the President highlighted the airline’s current difficulties, saying, “We have this big problem at Uganda Airlines and I have been convinced you are the right person to help us. Please go in and sort out the mess.” 

Girma Wake is recognized as a transformative leader in African aviation, having guided Ethiopian Airlines from 2004 to 2011 into one of the continent’s most successful carriers. His experience is seen as a potential boost for Uganda Airlines, which was revived by the Ugandan government in 2019 to improve regional and international connectivity. 

While Girma Wake’s role remains reportedly under consideration and unverified, sources suggest he could assist with the airline’s CEO recruitment process, help strengthen the top management team, and guide the leadership transition at Uganda Airlines. 

This potential move reflects the Ugandan government’s focus on strengthening Uganda Airlines’ management by leveraging the expertise of one of Africa’s most experienced aviation executives.