UPDF Spy Helicopter Crashes Fatally While On ADF Hunt Mission In Kasese – Was It Bombed By Rebels?

A Chimp Corps report reveals that a UPDF spy plane crashed in Kasese district, western Uganda, impacting reconnaissance capabilities in the Eastern DRC against ADF militants.

A defense official, preferring anonymity, stated, “The crash undermines our reconnaissance capacity in Eastern DRC.”

UPDF has in recent years witnessed increased cases of aircraft crashes, raising fears of mismanagement by the military’s top brass. Contacted for comment, Defence spokesperson, Brig Felix Kulayigye said he was unaware about the accident.“I am going to find out,” Kulayigye observed.

However, reliable sources note that the UPDF Diamond aircraft assisted in locating ADF bases, equipped with multi-functional aerial sensors. Observers highlight poor leadership, stating, “The Chief of Defence Forces usually orders junior officers to deploy them, and they end up crashing.”

History of crashes

In September 2022, a UPDF helicopter crashed in east Democratic Republic of Congo, killing 22 soldiers. The Mi-17, used for transportation, hit a tree after delivering logistics. In July, a UPDF helicopter on routine operations crash-landed in Karamoja sub-region.

In the past year, two Mi-24 helicopters crashed in Fort Portal and Mityana. In 2021, a UPDF jet ranger crashed at Lido beach, Entebbe, killing Capt Caroline Busingye. Six days later, another UPDF helicopter crashed in Balidogle, Somalia.

In 2020, Maj Naome Karungi and flight trainee Benon Wakola died when their jet ranger hit a hill in Butambala district. Surprisingly, the government never released reports on these accidents.

The UPDF acquired modern aviation assets in the past five years, including a Diamond DA 42 from Austria, Mi-24/Mi-35P combat helicopters from Belarus, and UH-1H Huey II helicopters from the United States.