BIG STORY TODAY: President Yoweri Museveni has dismissed Uganda Airlines Chief Executive Officer Jenifer Bamuturaki, bringing to an end her nearly four-year tenure at the helm of the national carrier amidst financial losses, operational challenges and investigations into alleged mismanagement.
Bamuturaki officially stepped aside on February 2, 2026, following direct intervention by the President, who reportedly ordered her removal after expressing dissatisfaction with the airline’s performance. Uganda Airlines, which was revived in 2019, has struggled to achieve profitability, recording losses of Shs324.9 billion in the 2022/2023 financial year, with only a slight narrowing of losses since then. High fuel costs, expensive aircraft maintenance, and concerns over undocumented payments and untraceable revenues have repeatedly been highlighted in audit reports.
Her dismissal follows a heated meeting at State House in September 2025, during which President Museveni reportedly told Bamuturaki that he was uncomfortable with her continued leadership of the airline. Although she attempted to defend her record, her explanations were said to be unconvincing, prompting the President to ask her to leave.
The decision also comes against the backdrop of multiple investigations into Uganda Airlines’ financial conduct. The Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) and the State House Anti-Corruption Unit are jointly probing allegations of abuse of office, embezzlement, false accounting and violations of procurement laws involving officials of the national carrier.
The probes mirror concerns earlier raised by Parliament’s Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE), which investigated a reported Shs237.8 billion loss incurred during the 2023/2024 financial year, as cited by the Auditor General. That loss was attributed to mismanagement, undue overpayments, and high aircraft maintenance costs. COSASE also examined allegations of a ticketing scam involving an internal syndicate that allegedly led to losses of USD 253,189.
Public confidence in the airline has further been eroded by a series of operational disruptions at Entebbe International Airport in recent months. Passengers have complained of missed flights, repeated rescheduling and poor communication from airline staff, with many sharing images on social media showing stranded travellers at check-in counters. Although Uganda Airlines acknowledged the disruptions in a statement issued on December 13 and promised to restore normal schedules, the assurances did little to quell public anger.
As the airline seeks stability, President Museveni has reportedly directed the board to conduct an open recruitment process, encouraging competent Ugandans to apply. However, sources indicate that government is also considering appointing a former Ethiopian Airlines chief executive to steer the national carrier through its current challenges.
The board is expected to advertise the CEO position shortly as Uganda Airlines attempts to rebuild confidence, stabilise key routes and address the financial and governance concerns that have plagued its operations in recent years.
