Parliament has summoned Isaac Kyaligonza, a former police procurement officer, to answer questions regarding the procurement of a nonfunctional fixed-wing aircraft.
The directive was issued by the Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Muwanga Kivumbi. Kyaligonza is expected to explain the procurement of a fixed-wing aircraft that cost Shs 29 billion but is currently non-operational. The matter arose during a committee session reviewing the Auditor General’s report for the 2023/24 financial year.
According to Undersecretary Dr. Aggrey Wenyi, Kyaligonza is now employed at the Ministry of Finance. Kivumbi stressed the need for accountability concerning the 2019 procurement deal.
In 2023, the Uganda Police announced plans to sell the PI80 Piaggio Avanti II, a fixed-wing aircraft acquired in June 2019 at a cost of USD 7,840,000 (approximately Shs 30.4 billion). The aircraft reportedly failed to meet operational expectations, despite having the capability to remain airborne for up to eight hours and provide aerial support.
Former police spokesperson Fred Enanga revealed that the aircraft had only logged 117 flight hours since its acquisition. He attributed this to its incompatibility with non-tarmacked runways, costly mandatory inspections, insurance, and Airworthiness Maintenance Organization (AMO) procedures—all without delivering any tangible benefits. He added that the aircraft parts are particularly expensive due to their luxury classification.
Police further stated that the Minister of Internal Affairs, Gen. Kahinda Otafiire, had raised no objection to disposing of the aircraft and procuring a more compatible helicopter.A composite Board of Survey conducted on October 19, 2022, valued the aircraft at USD 4,271,709.06 (approximately Shs 16.5 billion). The valuation considered factors such as depreciated replacement cost, technical condition, blue book values, current market prices, and the cost of replacing expired parts—estimated at a minimum of USD 100,681.79 (Shs 390 million). The aircraft is reportedly the only one of its kind on the African continent.
The Uganda Police Force noted that replacing the fixed-wing aircraft would enhance their operational capacity and crime-fighting effectiveness. Several aircraft models have been reviewed, considering the force’s logistical needs and operational demands. Police now consider disposing of the Piaggio Avanti II Evo through a trade-in procurement process, in accordance with PPDA laws and regulations.
