Uganda police has refuted claims that it disposed of its craft the Paggio Avanti 11 Evo fixed at Entebbe International Airport.
Recently parliament claimed that the aircraft was sold off without following the proper procedures.
However the Commandant of the police air wing Col.Patrick Mbayo Muteme says that the aircraft can’t be disposed of without the approval of all stakeholders in the aviation sector right from the manufacturer in Italy.
Addressing the media on Friday at Entebbe international Airport Mbayo further stated that it’s considered option of the Uganda police force that the Paggio Avant 11 Evo is disposed of and a new generation compatible air craft acquired through the trade and procurement sourcing methods in line with Public procurement and disposal of assets laws and regulations.
Police spokesperson Fred Enanga said that the aircraft that was purchased in June 2019 at 7.8 million dollars didn’t achieve any positive outcome to Uganda police.
Fred Enanga the Police spokesperson said the he police air wing carries out ant terrorism roles, while the other helicopters responded to multiple incident in Kalamoja region, Rwenzori region, cities of Kampala, Jinja, Hoima, Mbarara, Masaka, Lira, Gulu , Soroti and Arua which makes it an integro and essential part of policing in the country.
This aircraft was designed for non-tarmacked runway, undergoes expensive mandatory inspections with no benefits realized.
Enanga says Minister of Internal Affairs Gen Kahinda Otafire gave no objection to the disposal of the unserviceable air craft and procurement of the new compatible helicopter.
Currently after the evaluation by the board of survey as of October 2022 inspected the air craft and it was observed that disposal amount is US dollars 4.2 million and it can fly for 8 hours while providing aerial support, and since it’s acquisition it has covered a total flying distance of 117 hours.
Therefore the replacement of fixed wing aircraft will provide the police air wing with the additional operational and effective crime fighting tool.
