Uganda Parliament Probes Shs30bn Police Helicopter Scandal

Lawmakers are investigating Uganda Police Force's purchase of a defective Bell helicopter in 2019 that has never been operational despite costing Shs30bn (US$7m). Butambala MP Muwanga Kivumbi revealed the aircraft logged 117 test hours but remains grounded, demanding accountability from former procurement head Isaac Mponye.  

Police Finance Director Aggrey Winyi failed to identify responsible officials during tense parliamentary grilling, while Tororo MP Sarah Opendi exposed misuse of VIP vehicles. The Public Accounts Committee has given police two weeks to submit a forensic audit, with criminal investigations likely to follow.  

The probe exposes chronic mismanagement of security sector procurement, where prestige purchases like the faulty helicopter contrast starkly with stations lacking basic transport. Police Transport Director Lawrence Nuwabiine admitted critical shortages, with some units operating without even motorcycles.  

 

Send us feedback

Salt Media

Latest Posts