Uganda Airlines CEO Jenifer Bamuturaki Steps Down as Board Prepares to Advertise Top Job

After nearly four years leading Uganda Airlines amid financial challenges and ongoing probes, CEO Jenifer Bamuturaki has announced her departure. 

After close to four years at the helm, Jenifer Bamuturaki has confirmed she is stepping down as Chief Executive Officer of Uganda Airlines. In an internal email sent to staff and later leaked, she shared the news calmly: “the Board plans to advertise the CEO position soon.” She encouraged qualified colleagues to watch for the advert, apply if they meet the criteria, and noted that the full job description and application details would appear on the airline’s website.

This marks the end of her tenure, which started in July 2022 when she replaced Cornel Muleya. Bamuturaki took over during a time of revival for the national carrier, which relaunched in 2019 with high hopes for better connectivity, tourism, and trade.

Challenges and Scrutiny Along the Way

Her time in office has not been easy. The airline has relied heavily on government funding to grow its fleet, open new routes, and cover costs. Recent reports show some progress: net losses dropped slightly from Shs231.58 billion in 2023/2024 to Shs230.81 billion in 2024/2025—a small improvement of about Shs768 million, or 0.34 percent, thanks to 19.2 percent revenue growth from expanded routes, including high-profile ones like London.

Yet critics point to ongoing losses, governance concerns, and questions about procurement. Bamuturaki herself noted last year that breaking even could take at least another four years.

Jenifer Bamuturaki Musiime, Uganda Airlines CEO

Adding pressure, a joint investigation by the Criminal Investigations Directorate and State House Anti-Corruption Unit began just a month ago. In a January 7 letter to Bamuturaki, investigators requested detailed records: board-approved plans, budgets for 2024/2025, contracts for Boeing aircraft, procurement files for fuel, ground handling, travel, leasing, banking details, ticketing accounts, expenditure reports, and information on companies supporting the London route.

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The probe focuses on alleged abuse of office, embezzlement, and false accounting in the airline’s transactions. This comes after earlier scrutiny, including parliamentary findings in 2022 that Bamuturaki lacked certain postgraduate qualifications listed in the original job description (though she defended her skills and experience).

Bamuturaki has addressed some issues publicly, such as refuting claims of aircraft spare parts shortages. She highlighted access to multiple sources despite global challenges and announced plans for three more planes by August, plus new routes to Riyadh, Accra, Gwangju, Cape Town, and Jordan.

Looking Ahead

The decision to advertise the CEO role signals a fresh start for Uganda Airlines. Officials have long described the carrier as a vital long-term investment for the country, despite the financial hurdles. With the board opening applications, qualified leaders—inside or outside the organization—now have a chance to step in.