The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Recent revelations have brought to light a concerning expenditure by the Ugandan government, specifically through the Uganda Police Force (UPF), which reportedly spent a staggering KSh1.038 billion (approximately USD 7,480,000) on an aircraft that has seen minimal use since its acquisition in June 2019.
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The aircraft in question, a Fixed Wing Aircraft bearing the registration 5X-PEF/PI80 Piaggio Avanti II Evo, was procured with the intention of bolstering the operations of the Uganda Police Airwing. This unit, responsible for various aerial tasks including patrols, search and rescue missions, and transportation, operates a fleet of four aircraft. However, an audit has revealed that while the Airwing effectively utilizes three of these aircraft, the PI80 Piaggio Avanti II remains largely unused.
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According to a report obtained by The Lower Eastern Times, the aircraft, capable of remaining airborne for up to 8 hours, has covered a mere 117 kilometers since its acquisition. The report attributes this underutilization to several factors, including the aircraft’s unsuitability for non-tarmacked runways, high maintenance costs, and expensive spare parts.
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In response to the situation, the UPF organized a tour of the aircraft for journalists at their base in Entebbe on Friday, March 29. During this tour, UPF Spokesperson Fred Enanga explained that efforts to make use of the aircraft had been futile, leading to discussions with the Internal Affairs Minister about disposing of the aircraft and procuring a more suitable replacement.
A valuation conducted in October 2022 estimated the aircraft’s worth at approximately KSh566,001,442 (USD 4.271,709.06), factoring in various considerations such as depreciated replacement cost valuation and technical condition. Enanga stated that the proceeds from the sale of the aircraft would contribute towards acquiring a new generation compatible aircraft, thus enhancing the operational capabilities of the Police Airwing.
The UPF intends to adhere to procurement regulations and laws outlined by the PPDA (Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets) in the process of disposing of the underused aircraft and acquiring a more suitable replacement.
