Govt denies importing a VIP Russian chopper
Feb 16, 2016
According to the reports, the luxury chopper equipped with modern navigation equipment ensures a safe flight at any time of the day and in any weather condition.
Government has denied reports that it has imported a Mi-171E helicopter from Russian for VIP transportation.
Several local Russian news agencies reported that the manufacturer had delivered the luxury cabin chopper to the Ugandan government as part of a contract signed in 2015 with Rosoboronexport.
However, when contacted, security Minister, Mary Karooro Okurut, Defence permanent secretary Rose Byengoma, army spokesperson Lt. Col. Paddy Ankunda and government spokesperson, Ofwono Opondo said they were not aware.
"I am not aware of such information. I am currently engrossed in campaigns. Contact army spokesperson," Karooro said.
Ankunda just said "I am not aware."
Ofwono said he was not aware and referred New Vision to Civil Aviation Authority and Police.
According to the reports, the luxury chopper equipped with modern navigation equipment ensures a safe flight at any time of the day and in any weather condition. It accommodates 12 passengers.
The cockpit instruments have been adapted for use with night vision goggles to increase safety in the dark. Also, in order to improve safety even further, the helicopter is equipped with an early warning system for ground proximity, which promptly notifies the crew when the helicopter is dangerously close to an obstacle, ground, or water in order to prevent an accident.
It is also equipped with comfortable chairs with leather upholstery and other attractive furniture made from precious wood.
The Mi-171 helicopter is the results of a complete modernization of the Mi-8. The Mi-171E helicopters is an advanced export version of the famed Mi-8 transport helicopter, capable of transporting 37 passengers or four metric tons of cargo for a distance of 610 kilometers (380 miles) at a speed of 250 kilometers per hour.
It was specifically designed for operations in mountainous parts of the Middle East and Asia.
Although the news agencies did not report about the cost of the chopper, the company exported the same helicopters to China each at about $10-12 million.