Deputy Speaker Tayebwa Escapes Helicopter Crash Unscathed
Uganda’s Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, survived a helicopter crash on Saturday evening. The helicopter, which was carrying Tayebwa, experienced a technical malfunction while en route from Nebbi to Bushenyi and subsequently crashed. Despite the severity of the incident, Tayebwa emerged unharmed.
The crash occurred after Tayebwa attended a state event in Nebbi, West Nile. He then traveled by helicopter to Bushenyi to attend the Kuhingira ceremony of Ms. Edinah Ainomugisha and Mr. Albert Bagabe. Ms. Ainomugisha is the daughter of Dr. Eng. Silver Mugisha, Managing Director of the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC), and Hon. Annet Katusiime Mugisha, the Woman MP for Bushenyi.
Reports indicate that the helicopter encountered a technical issue and was forced to return to the airstrip. During the emergency landing, the aircraft caught fire and was completely destroyed. Fortunately, Tayebwa and his team managed to escape without injury.
In a social media update the following morning, Tayebwa reassured the public that all passengers were safe. He stated, “Dear all, my colleagues and I are all okay. No one is hurt.” His swift response and the handling of the situation played a crucial role in avoiding a more serious outcome.
Further details reveal that before the crash, Tayebwa attended the commissioning of the Kole-Gulu-Nebbi-Arua 132kV power line, which connects West Nile to the national grid. Following this event, he traveled to Bushenyi for the Kuhingira ceremony.
The helicopter was initially set to return to Kampala from Nyakisharara airfield. However, due to the late hour and lack of night vision capabilities, the flight was postponed. Tayebwa’s team was advised to stay overnight in Mbarara, but they decided to board another helicopter, operated by BAR’s CEO Barak Orland, who assured them of a safe flight despite the darkness.
During the flight, a fire started in the helicopter’s cockpit, causing panic among the passengers. The pilot performed an emergency landing, and Tayebwa’s security team assisted in rescuing everyone onboard. Fortunately, the fire was attributed to a technical glitch, and all individuals on the helicopter sustained only minor injuries.
