By George Bukenya
After failing to serve its intended purpose, Uganda Police Aircraft which was procured at a cost of USD 7,840,000 will now be sold at only USD 4,271,709.
The Fixed wing PI80 Piaggio Avanti II was acquired in June 2019 did not achieve any positive outcome, yet it has the capacity of remaining airborne for up to 8 hours while providing aerial support.
This follows the Minister of Works and Transport giving a no objection to the disposal of the unserviceable aircraft and procurement of the new compatible helicopter.
According to Fred Enanga the police spokesperson, said that the value that was considered in the valuation analysis by Board of Survey includes; Depreciated replacement cost valuation, technical condition, based valuation, Blue book values, current marketing running prices, a minimum of USD 100,681.79 to replace expired parts and it being the only aircraft on the African continent.
Since its acquisition, it has only covered a total flying distance of 117 hrs, because it is not designed for non-tarmacked runways, undergoes expensive mandatory inspections, insurance and AMO with no benefits realized. In addition, the Aircraft parts are very expensive given the nature and category of luxury.
Enanga also said that the force’s Air-wing currently operates 4 Aircrafts, comprising of 03 Helicopters, and 01 Fixed Wing Aircraft, 5X-PEF/PI80 Piaggio Avanti II Evo-9 seater, which was acquired in June 2019. During the year 2023, the Air-wing using the 3 Helicopters, responded to multiple incidents in the Karamoja region, the Rwenzori region and the cities of Kampala, Jinja, Hoima, Mbarara, Lira, Gulu, Soroti, Arua among others, which makes it an integral and essential part of policing in the country especially in combating terrorism acts
The replacement of the fixed wing aircraft will provide the Police Air-wing with an additional operational and effective Crime fighting tool. So far, several types of aircraft have been reviewed, with manufacturers and in total consideration of the aircraft possible loads and operations of the Uganda Police.
“It’s is considered option of the UPF that the Paggio Avanti 11 Evo is disposed off and a new generation compatible aircraft acquired, through the trade-in procurement sourcing method, in line with the PPDA laws and regulations.’’ SCP Enanga said in a statement.