President Museveni on Tuesday sanctioned the Russian-built helicopter that had been repaired and refurbished in Nakasongola.
At the Pro Heli Plant International Services Limited at Nakasongola Airbase, the helicopter underwent an upgrade, considered the first in sub-Saharan Africa.
President Museveni inaugurated the first overhauled and modernized Russian-type helicopter in Sub-Saharan Africa during the occasion in Nakasongola.
President Museveni expressed his happiness that the first MI helicopter to undergo maintenance has been put into service at the Nakasongola site. According to Museveni, it is yet another illustration of their long-standing relations with Russia, based on the merging of interests that bear logical dividends for Africa and Russia.
Museveni remarked that in 1986, he instructed the late Kategaya to acquire M&! From the Soviet Union, but pandemonium quickly ensued after the collapse of the Soviet Union under Gorbachev and Yeltsin. When Putin assumed power, he brought about stability.
Museveni congratulated President Putin for reviving and rebuilding Russia. He thanked the Russian government for approving their corporation rather than opposing it. President Museveni continued thanking and applauding NEC and Luwero Industries for eagerly utilizing this goodwill and developing this potential.
Museveni observed that there had been no communication with the Russian partners at the time, so he offered to visit Russia on a tourist visa to rekindle the partnership.
According to Museveni, there was no interaction with Russia and so they couldn’t receive anything. On a personal visit, Museveni collaborated with UN Headquarters. He said his desire to repair this connection.
Museveni went as a tourist and ran into the former prime minister and current foreign minister Sergey Lavrov. That’s when Museveni purchased the Sukhoi.
According to Museveni, both Russia and Uganda, as well as the continent of Africa, have no issues with one another.
He applauded Lt. Gen. Mugira, the managing director of NEC, for taking the effort to continue the project, stating that many concepts are constantly generated but all fail because they are not supported.
The president went on to say that he frequently advised his Western allies in writing about how the world could be governed via cooperation rather than competition. He claimed that he had spoken the same thing to the West when it attempted to rally African nations to oppose Russia, saying that Africa could not follow that path.
According to Museveni, President Abdel Naser first purchased equipment from the Soviet Union in 1955 when only three independent African nations were remaining: Ethiopia, Egypt, and Liberia. At that time, there was no relationship between Africa and Russia in terms of support for military hardware.
Therefore, he said, Russia has been backing anti-colonialist forces and has been Africa’s partner for the past 100 years.
Museveni emphasized the beneficial nature of the collaboration with the PRO Heli facility in Nakasongola and referred to it as being common sense.
He claimed that there is a significant need for helicopters in Uganda that need maintenance, refurbishment, and modernization.
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Museveni also endorsed the proposal put forth by PRO Heli International Services Ltd CEO Valari Copcin to overhaul and upgrade the Sukos at the facility, to collaborate with other nations in Africa and Latin America as well as Brazil, noting that it is convenient for everyone in terms of proximity.
He claimed that the facility’s service could help these nations as well. He did point out that the facility is more economically advantageous because it employs highly skilled Ugandan engineers who are paid less than their European peers.
Additionally, Museveni supported the idea of using generic electronic countermeasures for self-defense while flying as well as the intention to service and maintain other commercial aircraft at the site. However, President Museveni pushed Pro Heli to find additional investors in non-military sectors, as was done with the Chinese investors.
According to the Minister of Defense Vincent Ssempijja, the facility will save the nation enormous sums of money that were going towards repairs on helicopters.
He revealed that it cost more than $2 million to move one helicopter to and from abroad for freight and maintenance.
Many state authorities who have visited the PRO Heli have expressed their interest in bringing everything needed for service and overhaul.
Gen. Wilson Mbadi, the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), highlighted the facility’s significant advantages, which include employing more than 200 Ugandan engineers and promoting independence and battle readiness.
He continued by saying that because other nations would be using the facility’s services, it will also advance defense diplomacy.
According to Brig David Gonyi, who spoke on behalf of the commander of the UPDF Air Force Gen Okidi, the facility has several benefits to provide, including giving the air force short service while also supporting the industrialization agenda and the nation’s economy.
According to Valari Copcin, CEO of PRO Heli International Services, the facility is intended to become a one-stop shop for all aviation needs.
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