UPDF Helicopter Crashes Again in Kabarole, DR Congo Bound

Kabarole, Uganda | NOW THEN DIGITAL — A UPDF helicopter crashed in Nyamisigiri Village, Kicwamba sub-county, Kabarole District on December 2, 2024, at approximately 2:30 pm. The military aircraft was en route to DR Congo from Ssaka Airfield when it hit the roofs of two houses before descending into flames.

LCIII Chairperson Jack Magezi confirmed that the helicopter crashed into Mukidi’s house, resulting in his immediate death. The UPDF, through spokesperson Felix Kulyige, officially acknowledged the incident on X (formerly Twitter), expressing regret for the Helicopter Gunship crash in the Karugutu-Ntoroko District area.

Maj Naboth Mugisha, UPDF Airforce spokesperson, classified the crash as accidental and assured that more details would follow. Eyewitnesses recounted the helicopter hitting a house rooftop, causing a subsequent fire. Maj Mugisha emphasized the ongoing determination of incident specifics, reiterating it as an accident. He refrained from disclosing information about the helicopter’s occupants.

This incident echoes a similar event in September 2022 when a UPDF Mi-24 helicopter, carrying two individuals, crashed near Ssaka Airfield in Kabarole District.