Police have explained the rationale behind the move to sell off the 9-seater 5XPEF/P180 PIAGO AVANTI, an aircraft bought in 2019 for shs28 billion to transport among others VIPs.
Police spokesperson, Fred Enanga led journalists on guided tour of the aircraft at the Police Airwing in Entebbe in a bid to ascertain the facts surrounding the aircraft.
Enanga explained that whereas it is still in a good condition , the aircraft has not been able to offer transport services as had been envisaged during its purchase.
“Since its acquisition, it has only covered a total flying time of 117 hours 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.
Recently, Members of Parliament queried the rationale behind the procurement of the aircraft, arguing that it was a wastage of resources.
However, according to police, the aircraft was expected to rake in revenue for the force by being hired to offer luxury transport services.
The commander of the police airwing, Col Patrick Mbayo explained that the aircraft is still in good condition and is able to fly non-stop from Uganda to South Africa but said the decision to sell it off was because there has not been value for money as it has not been used for transport services as had been envisaged.
Police spokesperson, Fred Enanga said the matter was forwarded to the Internal Affairs Minister who gave a greenlight to the disposal of the unserviceable aircraft and procurement of the new compatible helicopter.
He explained that a board of survey on October, 19, 2022 inspected the aircraft and valued it at $4.2 million, a value that includes depreciated replacement cost valuation, technical condition, based valuation, Blue book values, current marketing running prices, a minimum of $100, 681.79 to replace expired parts and it being the only aircraft on the African continent.
“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.”
“It is a considered option of the police force 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.”
