East African Gazette
Kampala
The Uganda Police Force (UPF) has initiated the process of seeking interested parties to purchase its 9-seater 5XPEF/P180 PIAGO AVANTI aircraft.
The aircraft was acquired in 2019 at a staggering cost of Uganda shs28 billion.
The decision to sell the aircraft comes after receiving approval from the Minister of Internal Affairs.
According to a statement released by the police spokesperson, Senior Commissioner of Police Fred Enanga, a board of survey inspected the aircraft on October 19, 2022, and assessed its value at $4.2 million.
This valuation takes into account factors such as depreciated replacement cost, technical condition, market value, and the fact that it is the only aircraft of its kind on the African continent.
Additionally, a minimum of $100,681.79 is required to replace expired parts.
This announcement follows a guided media tour of the aircraft on March 29, 2024, at the police wing in Entebbe.
Enanga noted that currently, Uganda Police Airwing operates four Aircrafts, comprising 03 Helicopters, and 01 Fixed Wing Aircraft, 5X-PEF/PI80 Piaggio Avanti II Evo-9 seater, which was acquired in June 2019.
He stressed that that through the year 2023, the Airwing 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.
Why is it sold off?
Enanga noted that unlike other three helicopters, the Fixed wing PI80 Piaggio Avanti II did not achieve any positive outcome, yet it has the capacity of remaining airborne for up to 8hrs while providing aerial support.
He stressed that since its acquisition in 2019, the aircraft has only covered a total flying distance of 117kms.
“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,” he added.
He stressed that the Minister gave no objection to the disposal of the unserviceable aircraft and procurement of the new compatible helicopter.
“Therefore, the replacement of the fixed wing aircraft will provide the Police Airwing 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,” he added.
Enanga noted that it is a considered option of the police that the Paggio Avanti 11 Evo is disposed of and a new generation compatible aircraft acquired, through the trade-in procurement sourcing method, and in line with the PPDA laws and regulations.
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