Uganda’s Parliament is demanding accountability after it emerged that a fixed-wing aircraft purchased by the Uganda Police Force in 2019 for UGX 29 billion is no longer operational. The revelation came during a tense session of the Public Accounts Committee (Central), which was reviewing the Auditor General’s report for the 2023/24 financial year.
Committee Chairperson Hon. Muwanga Kivumbi has instructed the Parliamentary Criminal Investigations Department (CID) to locate and summon Mr. Isaac Kyaligonza, the former procurement officer involved in the aircraft’s acquisition. Kyaligonza, who played a central role in the controversial purchase, has since transferred to the Ministry of Finance a move that has raised eyebrows among MPs.
The aircraft, which was intended to enhance police air operations, is now grounded and non-functional, prompting serious concerns about the procurement process and the use of public funds.
During the committee hearing, Undersecretary Dr. Aggrey Wenyi confirmed Kyaligonza’s new role in the Ministry of Finance. However, lawmakers emphasized that his current position should not exempt him from scrutiny. “Government officials must remain accountable for their actions, regardless of where they are redeployed,” Hon. Kivumbi asserted.
“This is not a witch-hunt,” he added. “But we cannot ignore the fact that 29 billion shillings were spent, and we have no results to show. We must find Kyaligonza and uncover the truth.”
The committee’s demands have resonated with the public, especially at a time when confidence in government expenditure is waning. With a significant sum of taxpayer money at stake and a key police asset rendered useless, the call for justice is growing louder.
As CID begins its investigation, attention is now focused on Parliament’s next moves. The pressing question remains: How did such a costly procurement go so wrong, and who will be held responsible?
