Kampala, Uganda: State House has dismissed reports circulating on social media claiming that President Museveni has appointed a new Chief Executive Officer of Uganda Airlines, describing the claims as false and misleading.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Feb 05, the Senior Press Secretary to the President, Mr Sandor Walusimbi, said no appointment has been made and urged the public to ignore the reports.
“It is not true that the President has appointed anyone to the position of CEO of Uganda Airlines. The public is advised to disregard all social media messages claiming otherwise,” Walusimbi said.
He clarified that President Museveni met Girma Wake, the former Chief Executive Officer of Ethiopian Airlines, on Wednesday, but the engagement was limited to discussions on aviation management and related issues, not a formal appointment.
“The President yesterday met Mr Girma Wake, former CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, and held discussions on aviation management among other topics,” Walusimbi added.
The State House clarification came amid heightened public speculation that Museveni’s meeting with Wake, a widely respected aviation executive credited with transforming Ethiopian Airlines into Africa’s most profitable and professionally run carrier, was an appointment to take over leadership at Uganda Airlines.
Uganda Airlines is currently undergoing a leadership transition following the exit of former CEO Jennifer Bamuturaki, amid increased scrutiny over governance, financial losses and management practices at the national carrier.
Government officials have previously indicated that the process of recruiting a substantive CEO is ongoing, with emphasis on strengthening professional management and restoring operational credibility at the airline.
State House’s intervention now appears aimed at calming speculation as authorities finalise decisions on the future leadership and restructuring of Uganda Airlines.
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