• The Uganda Police Force resolved to sell a plane it bought at over KSh 1 billion in 2019, citing underutilisation
• According to authorities, the Piaggio Avanti EVO, which was bought in June 2019, is currently valued at KSh 566, 417,000
• The police said that the plane had failed to meet its expectations because of the lack of tarmacked runways in most parts of the country

Michael Ollinga is a journalist at TUKO.co.ke with over 10 years of experience covering courts and crimes, special reports, and current affairs in Kenya.

The Uganda Police Force (UPF) will sell one of its rescue and operations aeroplanes, citing underutilisation.

Ugandan Police Force Aeroplanes

The Airwing of the Uganda police purchased the fixed-wing plane in 2019 at slightly over KSh 1 billion.

According to the government, the plane was purchased to intensify rescue and operations missions, including air surveillance and evacuation.

However, the Piaggio P180 Avanti EVO has only flown for 117 hours since it was purchased about five years ago.

Its limited usage and subsequent contribution to policing activities have made police authorities consider it a liability.

How many planes does Uganda Police have?

It was part of the four aircraft operated by the Airwing of the Uganda police.

“The plane has not achieved any positive outcome since its acquisition in 2019, yet it can remain airborne for up to eight hours while providing aerial support. Since its acquisition, it has only flown for 117 hours because it is not designed for non-tarmacked runways and also undergoes expensive mandatory inspections and insurance with no benefits.

“There are no benefits we have realised since its acquisition. Its parts are expensive because planes are rated as luxury. The Internal Affairs Minister was briefed and did not give any objection to the disposal of the unserviceable aircraft and procurement of a new compatible helicopter,” said Uganda Police Force Spokesperson Fred Enanga.

Enanga said the Minister of Internal affairs did not object to the proposal to dispose of the nine-seater fixed-wing plane and purchase a compatible helicopter through a trade-in deal.

Value of Uganda Police aeroplane on sale

The Board of Survey valued the plane at KSh 566, 417,000 after a mandatory investigation in 2022.

Enanga said the value considered the depreciated replacement cost valuation, technical condition, Blue book values, based valuation, current market running prices and at least KSh 13 million required to replace expired parts.

He said the aeroplane was the only one of its kind in the continent of Africa.

“It is a considered option of the UPF that the Piaggio Avanti 11 Evo is disposed and a new generation compatible aircraft acquired through the trade-in procurement sourcing method, and in line with laws and regulations,” the police spokesperson said.

The announcement made Ugandans question if the police did a cost-benefit analysis before buying the plane in 2019.

“They didn’t consider all those factors before acquiring it in 2019?” Douglas Orang’i posed.

In March 2023, the Uganda Police Force caught public attention after conducting drills to help them deal with protesters ahead of anti-government protests.

Source: TUKO.co.ke

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