Ugandans have taken to social media calling for the arrest of former Uganda Airlines CEO Jenifer Bamuturaki following reports that she was sacked by President Yoweri Museveni earlier this week.
The alleged dismissal was publicly confirmed by veteran journalist Andrew Mwenda, who is known to have close ties with the First Family, particularly the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
In a strongly worded post on X (formerly Twitter), Mwenda praised President Museveni and Gen Muhoozi for what he described as decisive action to save the national carrier.
“I would like to thank @KagutaMuseveni for finally saving Uganda Airlines by firing its corrupt and incompetent CEO. I also thank @mkainerugaba whose intervention was decisive.” Mwenda wrote.
Mwenda further suggested that the government should consider appointing former Ethiopian Airlines CEO Gilma Wake as Chairman of the Board, and bring in the current Ethiopian Airlines CEO, whose contract reportedly ends in June, to take over as the new CEO of Uganda Airlines.
He added that several officials who worked under Bamuturaki and were allegedly involved in the mismanagement of the airline would soon be held accountable.
“Those who colluded with the corrupt management to swindle our airline will be brought to book.” Mwenda added.
Following these revelations, angry Ugandans have intensified calls for Bamuturaki’s arrest, arguing that she should face court over alleged corruption, negligence, and abuse of public funds.
Prominent lawyer Nicholas Opio also weighed in, stating that in a functional system, Bamuturaki would not only be fired but also prosecuted.
“In any sound and accountable system, this lady would not only be fired but also be in jail for serious public mismanagement and suspected corruption.” Opio wrote.
Other social media users echoed similar sentiments, demanding that Bamuturaki be arraigned in court and compelled to account for the alleged financial losses at the national airline.
As of now, neither State House nor Uganda Airlines has issued an official statement addressing the arrest demands or confirming the allegations.