Industry experts have advised the Government of Uganda to consider a temporary suspension of Uganda Airlines’ operations as the national carrier faces what many describe as its most challenging period since its relaunch in 2019.
Aviation professionals warn that, in its current state, the airline may require a comprehensive reset to restore stability and competitiveness in the regional market.
Captain Firoz Khimji, an aviation veteran with more than 45 years of experience as a pilot, instructor, and former fleet safety officer at Uganda Airlines, recommended a two- to three-month halt in flight operations. He argues that this pause would allow for thorough restructuring, systems review, and the installation of a capable and experienced management team.
According to Khimji, many of the airline’s current difficulties stem from early strategic missteps and leadership shortcomings. Without decisive corrective action, he cautions, Uganda Airlines may struggle to achieve profitability or effectively compete with established regional carriers such as Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Air Tanzania, and RwandAir.
He also questioned earlier procurement decisions, particularly the purchase of high-cost aircraft without ensuring adequate commonality of parts and access to spares. In his view, a start-up airline should have first prioritized foundational operational contracts, including fuel supply, engineering support, and maintenance systems.
Khimji further emphasized the importance of merit-based appointments within the airline, noting that aviation is a safety-critical industry that demands strict accountability, technical competence, and disciplined oversight.
His remarks follow the recent departure of the airline’s Chief Executive Officer, Jenifer Bamuturaki, whose tenure attracted significant scrutiny over governance concerns and financial performance.
The airline’s board has since opened applications for the CEO position, marking the end of Bamuturaki’s leadership as investigations by the Criminal Investigations Directorate and the State House Anti-Corruption Unit continue into allegations of abuse of office, embezzlement, and false accounting.
Her exit comes after a period marked by operational disruptions, missed schedules, and management controversies that affected public confidence in the airline.
Government sources indicate that experienced aviation professionals, including former executives with strong international backgrounds, are being considered to guide the airline through a recovery phase and restore operational credibility.