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Uganda Airlines Seeks Short-Term ACMI as A330s Remain Grounded

Uganda Airlines Seeks Short-Term ACMI as A330s Remain Grounded
Uganda Airlines is urgently pursuing a short-term wet-lease (ACMI) arrangement following the grounding of both its Airbus A330-800neo aircraft due to unscheduled maintenance. The suspension of these long-haul aircraft has disrupted key intercontinental routes, including services to London Gatwick and Mumbai International Airport. The airline has confirmed ongoing efforts to secure an ACMI lease to sustain operations while it works to restore its fleet.
Operational Disruptions and Passenger Impact
The two affected aircraft, registered 5X-CRN and 5X-NIL, have been out of service since January 11 and February 20, respectively, according to ADS-B tracking data. Their absence has not only affected flights to London and Mumbai but also disrupted services to Dubai International and Abuja. Uganda Airlines has assured passengers that those impacted will be accommodated on alternative carriers where possible or allowed to rebook future flights without incurring change fees. In some instances, flights may be consolidated or delayed to manage the limited operational capacity resulting from the grounded aircraft.
The airline faces considerable challenges in sourcing suitable replacement aircraft on short notice, given its relatively small fleet and the competitive nature of the ACMI market. Industry analysts suggest that this disruption may increase scrutiny of Uganda Airlines’ financial health and management practices, especially as the carrier searches for a new chief executive to guide it toward profitability. Competitors may seek to capitalize on the interruption by capturing market share on affected routes, while airlines with more diverse fleets remain largely unaffected.
“We are working around the clock to source the required components and technical expertise to return these aircraft to service,” Uganda Airlines stated. The management team is also engaging with lessors and ACMI providers to bridge the operational gap until the A330s are fully operational again.
Leadership Changes Amid Operational Challenges
Amid these operational difficulties, Uganda Airlines is undergoing significant leadership changes. President Yoweri Museveni has appointed Girma Wake, an airline veteran aged 81, as adviser and acting CEO following the recent dismissal of Jenifer Bamuturaki. Wake, who previously served as CEO and chairman of Ethiopian Airlines and as chairman of RwandAir, assumes leadership as the airline faces ongoing investigations by the Uganda Police Force into allegations of abuse of office, embezzlement, and false accounting. Although no official statement has been released regarding Wake’s appointment, it has been widely reported in Ugandan media.
This leadership transition occurs as Uganda Airlines seeks to stabilize its operations and restore confidence among passengers and stakeholders. The former CEO, Bamuturaki, reportedly informed staff of plans to advertise the CEO position, indicating further changes may be forthcoming as the airline navigates both operational and managerial turbulence.

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