
“The Inspectorate of Government investigated the allegations that the Uganda Police Force (UPF) inflated the cost of repair and overhaul of the Bell 206L Police Helicopter to UGX 20 Billion, yet a similar new Helicopter costs less than for the said repair” (IGG – ‘BI- ANNUAL INSP 10 ECTORATE OF GOVERNMENT PERFORMANCE REPORT TO PARLIAMENT (JANUARY – JUNE 2020)’ February 2021).
The Inspector General Report of February 2021 states the government and Uganda Police Force used more money on repairing an old helicopter than actually buying a new one. In 2018 the Observer stated that this chopper had been grounded for 15 years.
What is really striking by this is the ability of the Police Force to pay as much to fix this old one, than actually procuring a new one instead. The report is stating this and say it with such a finesse. That I quote the report itself here:
“The Bell 206 Long Ranger Helicopter was overhauled, repaired and restored at a total cost of US$ 1,778,797.92 out of which US$ 1,134,037.39 was paid, leaving a balance of US$ 644,760.53. According to M/s Yamasec Ltd, the above amount was as a result of extra parts installed in the Helicopter. The sampled amount for a similar new Helicopter was found to be between US$ 11,453,323 and US$ 11,794,836 depending on its customization. It was therefore not true as alleged that UPF inflated the cost of repair of the Helicopter to an amount that could cost a new one” (IGG – ‘BI- ANNUAL INSP 10 ECTORATE OF GOVERNMENT PERFORMANCE REPORT TO PARLIAMENT (JANUARY – JUNE 2020)’ February 2021).
The Observer reported this about the helicopter in 2018: “The oldest police helicopter is set to fly again after being grounded for more than 15 years. The police air wing has completed refurbishing the seven seater Bell 206B American helicopter, which was grounded in 2002. The helicopter was purchased in 1986 shortly after President Museveni took power” (The Observer – ‘Oldest police helicopter flies again after 15 years’ 31.05.2018).
So, the helicopter is as old as the regime itself. It was bought in 1986. That means the state used 20 billions to repair such a chopper. Well, the state claims a chopper cost more than repairing, but a quick search on the web shows you can get the newest type of 2016 Bell 505 Jet Ranger X for US$1.2m. So, when you take the US$ 1,7m versus US$1.2m. That is by all means a new helicopter, but without any specs or specific add-ons. Still, that says it all. Shows that the UPF gave the IGG inflated prices on a new helicopter. Though the price I have is for a new one without additional equipment, but that is for a modern one and not an old one from the mid-80s.
That shows the Uganda Police Force is disingenuous to the IGG in this matter. Yes, there would be added costs, transport and added specific needs for the Force. However, it should be an incentive to have a modern chopper and no just upgrade an old chopper with the same age as the regime. It wouldn’t be shocking if the chopper is soon grounded again. That because of its age and the worry of the pilots to fly the bird in the sky.
It doesn’t help that the IGG Report says this: “UPF Authorities submitted two names of pilots to be trained by M/s Yamasec Ltd. However, by the time of completion of the investigations in January 2020, M/s Yamasec Ltd had advised that they needed persons who were already trained as Pilots and only required to undergo type rating training. The Engineers were yet to complete their training course at the East African Civil Aviation Academy, Soroti, before being forwarded to M/s Yamasec Ltd for Helicopter training” (IGG – ‘BI- ANNUAL INSP 10 ECTORATE OF GOVERNMENT PERFORMANCE REPORT TO PARLIAMENT (JANUARY – JUNE 2020)’ February 2021).
So, the engineers are not yet to complete training, but they have worked on the helicopter. That says something and if this is still grounded. That wouldn’t be shocking and that someone ate the money. As the company was paid such a fortune to fix an old helicopter. The state showed it off for a brief moment in 2018, but surely its a back-up item now. Especially, when the investigation shows these sort of results. It is not a sign of strength.
The Uganda Police Force can rely on some information to the IGG. As this is published, shows they are not as truthful. Especially on the pricing of a new versus fixing this old helicopter. It was a reason why it was grounded. These sort of things has short shelf-life, because of the worry that they can fall from the sky.
That should worry pilots and also the ones caring about “value for money”, because there is more modern air-crafts ready and able to procure. If the state wants their pilots to fly in a manner, which is safe and ready to serve the general public. Peace.

















