MPs question underutilisation of sh29b Police aircraft

KAMPALA - The Police are under scrutiny over underutilising a shilling 29 billion aircraft.

Concerns by Members of Parliament on May 28, 2025, came after Auditor General Edward Akol revealed that the aircraft had flown only 117 kilometres since its purchase in 2019.

MPs on the House Public Accounts Committee (PAC–Central) expressed outrage over the underutilisation of the aircraft procured while officials from the Uganda Police Force (UPF), led by permanent secretary Aggrey Wunyi and deputy Inspector General of Police James Ocaya, appeared before them.

The session, chaired by Butambala County MP Muwanga Kivumbi, aimed to address audit queries raised by AG Akol as of December 2024.

The P180 Avanti II EVO aircraft, purchased in 2019 for $7.84 million (about shillings 29 billion), was part of UPF’s operational strategy.

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However, according to Akol’s report, it has failed to meet its intended objectives. The aircraft’s design is unsuitable for non-tarmacked runways, limiting its utility in rural and remote areas where such operations are most needed.

Despite its minimal usage, the aircraft continues to incur heavy costs through ongoing maintenance, servicing and insurance, representing what MPs described as a significant waste of public resources.

While defending the purchase, Wunyi, said the acquisition was based on the operational assessments at the time. 

“The aircraft has a seating capacity of 14, including the crew. We are not disposing of it. We are working to make it serviceable again,” he said.

The P180 Avanti II EVO aircraft, purchased in 2019 for $7.84 million (about shillings 29 billion), was part of UPF’s operational strategy.

But Muwanga Kivumbi questioned the decision, noting Uganda’s widespread marram airstrips. “Even if it is made serviceable, where is it going to land?” he asked.

Mawogola South MP Gorreth Namugga pointed out the alarming statistics. “If it has only moved 117 kilometres in six years, that’s roughly six kilometres a year. What a costly investment!” she remarked.

After persistent questioning by the lawmakers, Wunyi revealed that the procurement officer responsible was Isaac Kyaligoza, now at the finance ministry. 

Kivumbi ordered the Criminal Investigation Directorate (CID) to locate Kyaligoza by the end of the day and deliver a preliminary investigation report within two weeks.

Earlier plan to sell aircraft

It should be noted that in March last year, Police planned to sell off the aircraft. 

Then Police spokesperson Fred Enanga officially announced the decision to sell their fixed-wing aircraft (PI80 Piaggio Avanti II Evo) after it failed to provide effective services due to the lack of tarmacked runways in many parts of Uganda.  

"Since its acquisition, it has only covered a total flying distance of 117 hrs, because it is not designed for non-tarmacked runways, and undergoes expensive mandatory inspections, insurance, and AMO with no benefits realized. In addition, the Aircraft parts are very expensive given the nature and category of luxury," Enanga said at the time.