Fred Enanga, the police spokesperson, has officially announced the decision to divest the Uganda Police Airwing of its fixed-wing aircraft (P180 Piaggio Avanti II Evo).

Enanga explained that the decision stems from the aircraft’s failure to yield positive outcomes despite its capability to remain airborne for up to 8 hours, providing aerial support.

“Since its acquisition, it has only flown a total of 117 hours due to limitations such as unsuitability for non-tarmacked runways, costly mandatory inspections, insurance, and maintenance, with no discernible benefits realized,” stated Enanga.

He added, “The UPF is considering the disposal of the Paggio Avanti II Evo and the procurement of a new-generation compatible aircraft through trade-in procurement methods, adhering to PPDA laws and regulations.”

Acquired in June 2019 at a cost of USD 7.84 million, the Airwing currently operates four aircraft, including three helicopters and one fixed-wing aircraft, 5X-PEF/PI80 Piaggio Avanti II Evo-9 seater. During 2023, the Airwing responded to numerous incidents across various regions, making it an integral part of policing in Uganda.

The Uganda Police Airwing provides aerial patrols, search and rescue, rapid response, troop transportation, aerial surveillance, VIP transportation, medevac, and casevac.

Enanga noted that the Minister of Internal Affairs was briefed on the matter and raised no objections to the disposal of the unserviceable aircraft and the procurement of a new compatible helicopter.

“A Composite Board of Survey inspected the aircraft on October 19, 2022, valuing it at USD 4,271,709.06. The valuation considered factors such as depreciated replacement cost, technical condition, blue book values, and current market prices,” Enanga explained.

He emphasized that replacing the fixed-wing aircraft will enhance the Police Airwing’s operational capabilities. Several aircraft types have been evaluated, considering manufacturers and operational requirements specific to the Uganda Police.

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President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni emphasized the importance of acknowledging individuals who contribute to society’s advancement, stressing that their efforts should be remembered and appreciated.

During the Elders Mentorship/Leadership Awards luncheon 2024 held at State House Entebbe on Thursday, President Museveni commended Mr. Odrek Rwabwogo and his team for their initiative in honoring outstanding contributors.

He underscored the significance of recognizing excellence, stating that failing to do so could discourage others from striving for excellence.

Organized by the Office of the Senior Presidential Advisor on Special Duties, chaired by Mr. Odrek Rwabwogo, the ceremony aimed to celebrate individuals who have made significant positive impacts on Uganda’s development. Under the theme “Modelling the right behaviour for the youth of Africa in the 21st Century,” the event honored 16 elders for their remarkable service to the nation.

In addition to acknowledging the awardees, the ceremony served as a platform to pay tribute to the late Rt. Hon. Jacob Oulanyah, former Speaker of Parliament, for his dedication to public service.

President Museveni highlighted the importance of accurate mentorship, stressing the role of understanding society’s dynamics and the significance of science and technology in social progress. He credited the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government’s progress to its ability to diagnose societal issues accurately and provide solutions.

Reflecting on the late Rt. Hon. Jacob Oulanyah’s journey, President Museveni praised his intellectual openness and commitment to national development, noting his transition from the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) to the NRM.

Vice President H.E Jessica Alupo commended the awardees for their contributions to Uganda’s socio-economic transformation, aligning with President Museveni’s advocacy for youth involvement in Africa’s development.

Delivering a keynote speech, Hon. Tagesse Chafo Dullo, Speaker of the House of People’s Representatives of Ethiopia, extended gratitude to Uganda for its hospitality and emphasized the importance of empowering African youth.

Hon. Norbert Mao, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, thanked Mr. Odrek Rwabwogo for organizing the event and emphasized the importance of leadership driven by a mission rather than a position.

Mr. Odrek Rwabwogo reiterated the importance of learning from past exemplary leaders and encouraged the youth to uphold integrity and serve their country diligently.

Representing the late Speaker’s family, Hon. Andrew Ojok expressed gratitude to President Museveni for his support and emphasized Oulanyah’s legacy of integrity and reconciliation.

Mr. Nathan Okori, the late Oulanyah’s father, expressed gratitude to the government for honoring his son’s memory.

The event was attended by several dignitaries, including former Prime Ministers, government ministers, and other officials, demonstrating the collective commitment to honoring exemplary service and fostering intergenerational leadership.

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Monica Mbabazi is a celebrated multimedia Ugandan Journalist currently working as a news anchor on Top Radio and BTM Television. She is also a writer with Plus News Uganda. More by Monica Mbabazi

With fisheries standing as one of Uganda’s top revenue streams, an increasing number of Ugandans, particularly women and youth entrepreneurs, are immersing themselves in the sector, making it a pivotal aspect of their economic endeavors.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) reported that the fisheries sub-sector directly employed approximately 1.7 million individuals and indirectly supported over 3.5 million people in 2017. Moreover, in the calendar year 2021-2022, fish and fish products ranked as Uganda’s third-highest export, contributing USD $116.2 million to the country’s economy.

Against this backdrop, Gudie Leisure Farm has unveiled plans for the Aquaculture Cottage Industry Symposium—a private sector-driven initiative geared towards educating potential and existing investors about the myriad opportunities within the aquaculture value chain. The symposium aims to shed light on emerging developments and their implications for stakeholders.

Scheduled for Monday, April 8, at the farm premises in Najjeera II, Kira Municipality, Wakiso district, the event will spotlight various business prospects within the sector, particularly for youth entrepreneurs. Additionally, it will showcase cutting-edge research and innovations developed by stakeholders such as the National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO), aimed at enhancing efficiency and profitability for businesses. Discussions will also revolve around collaborative strategies to tackle sector challenges and attract catalytic investments.

Prof. Naiga Gudula, the founder and Managing Director of Gudie Leisure Farm, expressed enthusiasm for the symposium, emphasizing its role in highlighting the untapped potential of Uganda’s lucrative value chains.

“The primary objectives of this event include exposing micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to existing and emerging business opportunities, equipping them with the necessary technical and business skills, fostering collaborations with supportive stakeholders, and spotlighting Youth Agripreneur Champions driving socio-economic transformation through aquaculture initiatives,” she stated.

While the sector’s contribution to Uganda’s GDP in the calendar year 2021/22 stood at 2%, it recorded a value addition of 3,298 billion shillings, underscoring its economic significance. Prof. Gudula emphasized the need for strategic investments, like the symposium, to bolster this contribution and uplift local communities, particularly the youth.

“We take pride in our network of over 70,000 Youth Agripreneur Champions (YACs) engaged in catfish production, value addition, and trade within the sector,” she added.

Ms. Florence Nampeera, an entrepreneur and district agent for Gudie Leisure Farm in Kyotera and Rakai, highlighted the youth’s eagerness to invest in aquaculture due to its promising prospects. She emphasized efforts to establish aquaculture cottage industries at the grassroots level, aiming to bolster supply chains and business services for stakeholders.

“As a member of the private sector, we are committed to promoting initiatives that align with Uganda’s socio-economic transformation agenda and welcome both potential and existing investors, especially young entrepreneurs, to join us in this endeavor,” she concluded.

About Gudie Leisure Farm

Gudie Leisure Farm (GLF) is a social enterprise providing various agribusiness development services to youth-owned micro and small enterprises (MSEs) in the agricultural sector, and in particular, those operating in the white meat and related value chains. Established in 2009, the company, since its inception, has been providing the MSMEs with the technical and business training they need to produce and distribute high quality white meat products and services through its agribusiness incubation center, linking them to markets in and outside their districts of operation that can deliver them with the returns they expect from their investments and business development services (BDS) providers in the public and private sectors that can support the growth and sustainability of their enterprises

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Kimera Abdul is a Senior Journalist with Plus News Uganda. He identifies as an adaptable and enthusiastic individual who works to inspire generations. He posses a Diploma and Broadcast journalism and has… More by Kimera Abdu