Kampala, Uganda – The Uganda Airlines CEO resignation marks a major leadership shift at the national carrier as governance and financial probes continue. Ms Jennifer Bamuturaki has stepped down as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Uganda Airlines, the national carrier, in a move confirmed yesterday, signalling the start of a major leadership transition at the airline.
Bamuturaki’s resignation follows years of scrutiny over governance, financial management, and operational performance. Sources say President Yoweri Museveni’s dissatisfaction with explanations provided by management during a September 2025 State House meeting ultimately led to the decision. An internal email circulated to staff yesterday confirmed that the CEO position will soon be advertised.
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In a memo to staff, Bamuturaki confirmed that the airline will soon advertise the position of Chief Executive Officer. He encouraged eligible staff members to apply once the job description and application form are published on the airline’s website. The email, sent from Entebbe Old Airport, comes amid heightened scrutiny of the national carrier’s governance.
CID Probes Alleged Financial Irregularities
CID investigators have requested procurement records, revenue statements, banking documents, and internal audit reports. Their focus includes transactions linked to the launch of the London route.
Audits reportedly show that the airline charged more than $9 million (approximately Shs 35 billion) in service fees after authorities scrapped a levy in 2023. Investigators have found no evidence that the airline deposited the funds into official accounts.
Investigators are also examining ticketing practices within the airline. Reports indicate that agencies linked to airline staff controlled more than 90% of discounted seats. This concentration has raised concerns about conflicts of interest and internal controls.
The latest developments have revived memories of earlier public scrutiny. On 13 September 2022, a letter from board chairperson Priscilla Mirembe Seruka was read in Parliament by Joel Ssenyonyi.
In the letter, the board requested that meetings between Parliament and Uganda Airlines take place without media presence. It cited the sensitivity of the aviation sector and potential reputational damage as justification.
During COSASE investigations on 19 July 2024, Ssenyonyi revealed that Speaker Anita Among had “guided” him to conduct closed-door proceedings. He disagreed, noting that Uganda Airlines, like other public entities under investigation, should be scrutinized publicly. Ssenyonyi also criticized the Speaker for privately meeting the airline’s CEO during the inquiry, arguing it undermined transparency and delayed the committee’s report.
On 13 September 2022, Ssenyonyi also asked Bamuturaki to account for $12,750 (approximately Shs 50 million) in per diem funds she requisitioned in June as Acting CEO for international travel. She did not undertake the trips and remained silent when questioned by the committee.
Industry Reaction and Future Leadership Options
Industry experts have emphasised that Uganda Airlines faces structural challenges beyond any individual manager. Mike Mukula, a renowned pilot and former MP, said aviation requires precision, deep capital, and strong governance. “National carriers succeed when management is professional, commercial, and insulated from political interference,” he said, stressing fleet discipline, capitalisation, and operational independence as critical for success.
Political Journalist Andrew Mwenda commended the President for acting decisively, stating, “It will be great if former Ethiopian Airways CEO Girma Wake takes over as board chairman and the current CEO in Addis Ababa, whose contract ends this June, assumes the role of Uganda Airlines CEO. We also need a new, much more competent board.”
Bamuturaki joined Uganda Airlines in 2019 as Commercial Director and was appointed CEO in 2022. Her tenure included multiple investigations, including the COSASE probe in 2024, which examined over Shs 237 billion in losses and alleged procurement irregularities. She holds a Master’s in Public Administration from Makerere University and has over 20 years of experience in aviation, travel, and hospitality.
Sources indicate President Museveni is considering former Ethiopian Airlines CEO Girma Wake to take over, signaling a broader management
