One dead as UPDF helicopter crashes in Entebbe

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | A Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) jet ranger helicopter has crashed in Entebbe, near Lido beach killing one pilot.

The UPDF spokesperson Brig-Gen Flavia Byekwaso said in a tweet that the light blue helicopter was being piloted by two cadet trainees on a mutual training flight.

“Today afternoon at about 2:15 pm, a jet ranger piloted by two cadet trainees on a mutual training flight came down immediately after takeoff near Lido beach. Our aviation team is on the ground to investigate the mishap,” UPDF spokesperson, Brig-Gen Byekwaso tweeted.

It is with sadness that we announce the passing on of Capt Caroline Busingye after she was involved in a plane crush today Afternoon in Entebbe. We Commiserate with the family of the late and the UPDF Airforce fraternity during this very difficult moment. MAGRIP. pic.twitter.com/eqQv81f6e7

— Brig Gen Flavia Byekwaso (@UPDFspokespersn) February 11, 2021

Traffic police cordoned off the scene of the accident. Traffic to and from Entebbe Airport was also diverted to the one-way road from Entebbe to Kampala.

In January 2020, another UPDF helicopter crashed on a training mission in Bulo in Gomba district.

Those killed in the crash were Major Naomi Karungi, a UPDF helicopter pilot and Benon Wakalo, a cadet pilot.

Last week, four Uganda Peoples Defense Forces (UPDF) soldiers were injured in a helicopter crash in Somalia. The helicopter belonged to the AU Mission’s Aviation Unit from the Uganda People’s Defense Force.

The four soldiers were on a mission to support the AU troops in Lower Shabelle region.

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