Aviation Icon Girma Wake Takes Control of Uganda Airlines
In a development that is set to send ripples through the East African aviation sector, a significant leadership restructure has been announced for Uganda’s national carrier. In a decisive move to bolster confidence and operational efficiency, President Yoweri Museveni has personally intervened to reshape the top tier of Uganda Airlines. The President has appointed the renowned aviation veteran, Girma Wake, as the Acting Chief Executive Officer.
For travel agents and tour operators across the continent, the name Girma Wake carries immense weight. Widely regarded as the architect behind the modern success of Ethiopian Airlines, Wake’s return to an active CEO role—even on an interim basis—signals a serious intent by the Ugandan government to professionalize its flag carrier.
The decision comes against a backdrop of governance challenges that have recently plagued the airline. Reports have cited management weaknesses and the need for a rigorous restructuring of the carrier's internal processes The President’s directive explicitly instructs the current CEO to step aside to facilitate this transition For the travel trade, this shift is a positive indicator. It suggests a move away from bureaucratic hurdles toward a more commercially driven and transparent operation, which is essential for ensuring schedule reliability and service quality for clients flying into Entebbe.
At 82 years of age, Girma Wake brings a lifetime of experience that is virtually unmatched in the African skies. During his tenure as CEO of Ethiopian Airlines from 2004 to 2011, he led a transformation that turned the carrier into Africa’s largest and most profitable airline group [[4]](https://thebriefpost.com/museveni-appoints-ethiopian-aviation-veteran-as-uganda-airlines-acting-ceo/). His philosophy of aggressive fleet expansion, rigorous staff training, and hub development is exactly the template Uganda Airlines hopes to emulate. Travel stakeholders can expect a swift review of the airline’s current route network and operational standards as Wake takes the helm.
The mandate given to Mr. Wake is clear and time-bound. He is not merely a caretaker; he is tasked with stabilizing the management structures and advising the Board on rectifying existing operational gaps. Furthermore, he will oversee the critical process of identifying and recruiting a permanent CEO who can drive the airline’s long-term vision. This period of "mentorship" by an industry titan provides a unique opportunity for the airline to build a foundation that can compete with regional giants like Kenya Airways and RwandAir.
For the African travel industry, the stability of Uganda Airlines is crucial. The carrier operates key regional routes and intercontinental flights that are vital for tourism connectivity. The recent turbulence in management had caused some hesitation among international partners; however, the installation of a leader with Wake’s pedigree is likely to restore market trust almost immediately. His reputation for fiscal discipline and strategic planning offers assurance that the airline will honor its commercial commitments and focus on passenger experience.
This leadership change also hints at a broader strategy to position Entebbe as a functional transit hub. With the African aviation market becoming increasingly liberalized under the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), smaller national carriers must adapt or risk irrelevance. By bringing in a heavyweight who understands the intricacies of global aviation alliances and fleet utilization, Uganda is signaling that it intends to be a serious player in the intra-African travel market.
The coming months will be critical. Travel agents should monitor the airline's schedules and announcements closely, as Wake’s influence often leads to optimized flight timings and improved connectivity. The focus will likely shift to efficiency—cutting waste and ensuring that the "Crane" flies profitably. There is also an expectation that he will address the procurement irregularities that have been the subject of recent probes, ensuring that the airline’s finances are transparent and sound.
Ultimately, this appointment is a win for the travel trade. It replaces uncertainty with seasoned expertise. As Uganda Airlines navigates this transition period leading up to July 2026, the industry looks forward to a revitalized carrier that can effectively support the growing demand for travel to the Pearl of Africa. With Girma Wake in the cockpit, the trajectory for Uganda’s national airline has just been corrected toward a more promising horizon.
