Last Updated on: 4th August 2023, 01:05 am
Moroto I Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces have informed the nation about the crash landing of its air force helicopter in Karamoja.
In a July 30 statement, Brig Gen Felix Kulayigye, the Defence spokesperson said: “On 29 July 2023, at around 1640Hrs, a UPDF Air forces helicopter – MI 24 (Gun Ship) Reg No. AF 822 crash landed while on routine operations in Karamoja sub-region under 3 Division Area of Responsibility.”
Gen Kulayigye said the incident happened at Nadiket village, located 5.3km west of Moroto barracks, Loptuk sub-county in Moroto district.
“The pilot and all the three air crews who were on board are safe. The scene has been secured for further management.
“The cause of the crash landing will be established by a technical team of UPDF Airforce experts,” he added, appealing to the members of the surrounding community to desist from accessing the scene of the crash landing.
Past crashes
The July 29, 2023, event is not the first one. UPDF helicopters have been crash-landing in recent years. In September 2022, a UPDF helicopter crash-landed in Fort Portal City.
The same year, in July, four UPDF officers survived death after a helicopter crash in Mityana.
In February 2021, UPDF helicopter crash landed on Entebbe Road, Entebbe town. Two occupants of that crash, both army officers survived death.