The Uganda Police Force has decided to dispose of a nine seater plane it bought for Shs 30 billion because the country does not have enough tarmacked runways.
Fred Enanga, the police spokesperson said in a statement that the fixed wing PI80 Piaggio Avanti II that was acquired in June 2019, did not achieve any positive outcome.
“Since its acquisition, it has only covered a total flying distance of 117 kms, because it is not designed for non tarmacked runways, undergoes expensive mandatory inspections, insurance and AMO with no benefits realised. In addition, the aircraft parts are very expensive given the nature and category of luxury,” Enanga said.
He said the plane has now depreciated in value and the police will accept half the value of its original price or Shs 16 billion.
Enanga said the replacement of the fixed wing aircraft will provide the Police Airwing with an additional operational and effective crime fighting tool. He said several types of aircraft have been reviewed, with manufacturers and in total consideration of the aircraft possible loads and operations of the Uganda Police.
The Police Airwing currently operates 3 helicopters which are used for aerial patrols, search and rescue, rapid response and troop transportation, aerial surveillance for pirates and other criminal elements, aerial assault, insertion and extraction and VIP transportation.
