The board of inquiry, instituted by the Chief of Defence Forces, is set to visit the site of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) helicopter crash today as part of its investigation into the incident. The crash occurred on January 2 in Nyamisingiri Village, bordering Kabarole and Ntoroko districts, claiming the lives of three individuals, including two helicopter occupants and a civilian named John Mukidi.
The crash site, reportedly cordoned off by the UPDF, became the center of attention after reports suggested the helicopter was carrying bombs destined for eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as part of Operation Shujaa, targeting the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a rebel group.
Maj Ivan Adakun Wycliff Tukei, leader of the team responsible for removing the bombs from the crash site, mentioned that their work is not completed, and they have refrained from removing all wreckage until the board of inquiry concludes its investigation. He highlighted that tampering with the scene could affect ongoing investigations.
The board of inquiry’s visit is expected to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the crash. Meanwhile, the UPDF bomb squad successfully detonated some of the recovered bombs on Friday, ensuring the area’s safety. Community members near the scene are not permitted to access the wreckage site due to safety concerns.
The Ntoroko Resident District Commissioner, Rt Maj Johns Mugabirwe, urged the public to stay away from the crash site until it is declared free of bombs. The UPDF offered compensation to the family of John Mukidi, who was laid to rest amid tight security by the UPDF. The compensation process will be determined based on the findings of the board of inquiry.
Preliminary investigations suggest that bad weather was a contributing factor to the crash. Col Godfrey Kyomuhendo, the operation and training officer of Mountain Division, mentioned that the UPDF has provided support to Mukidi’s family, including financial assistance for burial expenses, renting a house, and purchasing food for six months. The UPDF also offered relief food, and further promises made to the family will be fulfilled based on the inquiry’s outcomes.
