UPDF attack chopper crashes in Moroto

The chopper, an MI24 Gunship, Registration Number AF 822 crashed in Moroto District in Karamoja sub region yesterday, Saturday evening.

UPDF Spokesman Brig Felix Kulayigye confirmed the incident on Sunday morning.

He said the chopper “crash landed” at Nadiket village located about 5.3km west of Moroto Barracks in Loptuk Sub County.

Both the pilot and three other air crew members who were on board survived the crash. Kulayigye however, did not indicate in his statement if any of them was injured.

It was still unclear what caused the accident.

The Army spokesperson said a technical team had been deployed to investigate the crash.

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The chopper which crashed, is one of three which were purchased just last year.

Defense Web, a South African based website first reported that the UPDF had added to its arsenal three of the advanced Russian-made gunships.

One MI 24 is priced at an estimated $12.5million or just over Shs 45 billion.

In September last year, another UPDF chopper crashed in neighboring DRC where the UPDF is running the “Operation Shujaa” campaign against the ADF terror group.

The Mi-17 helicopter, which is mainly used for transportation, medical evacuation and VIP transport had just delivered food consignment to the troops when it tumbled and exploded during take-off.

About 22 people reportedly died in the crash.

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Following the incident, President Museveni issued a radio message ordering an investigation into what exactly happened to the UPDF helicopter.