Uganda’s Parliament is demanding answers after it was revealed that a UGX 29 billion fixed-wing aircraft, bought in 2019 by the Uganda Police Force, is no longer working. The shocking revelation came to light during a heated session of the Public Accounts Committee (Central), which was reviewing the Auditor General’s report for the financial year 2023/24.
Hon. Muwanga Kivumbi, the Chairperson of the committee, has directed Parliament’s Criminal Investigations Department (CID) to track down and produce Mr. Isaac Kyaligonza, the former procurement officer for the Uganda Police. Kyaligonza played a key role in the controversial procurement process of the aircraft, which is now lying idle and non-functional. According to officials, the aircraft was expected to strengthen police air operations, but its failure has left serious questions hanging over the entire deal.
Dr. Aggrey Wenyi, the Undersecretary during the committee session, informed MPs that Kyaligonza has since moved from the police and now holds a position at the Ministry of Finance. This raised even more concern among lawmakers, who insisted that his new role should not shield him from accountability for his past actions. Hon. Kivumbi stressed that government officials must be answerable for public funds, regardless of where they are currently serving.
“We are not witch-hunting anyone,” Kivumbi stated firmly. “But we cannot ignore the fact that 29 billion shillings were spent, and today we have nothing to show for it. We must find Kyaligonza and get the truth.”
The committee’s push for answers has struck a chord with many Ugandans, especially at a time when public trust in government spending is low. With taxpayers’ money at stake and a critical piece of police equipment now unusable, the pressure is mounting for authorities to take real action.
As the CID swings into action, all eyes will be on Parliament’s next steps. The big question remains: How did a deal this expensive go so wrong, and who will take responsibility?
