A file photo of Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa disembarking from a helicopter at a recent event
Kampala, Uganda – Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa has confirmed that no one was injured in a helicopter incident that occurred on Saturday evening, after attending a giveaway ceremony in Bushenyi.
In a statement, Tayebwa reassured the public that “my colleagues and I are all okay. No one is hurt” after the helicopter they were traveling in experienced a technical glitch, leading to a forced landing.
According to sources, the helicopter was not equipped with night vision and was advised not to fly at night, but the pilot, BAR’s CEO Barak Orland, assured Tayebwa’s team that he could safely fly them to Kampala.
However, shortly after takeoff, a fire was seen coming from the cockpit, prompting the pilot to make an emergency landing. Tayebwa’s security team quickly responded to rescue the passengers.
Fortunately, all passengers on board sustained only minor injuries. Tayebwa had earlier attended the commissioning of the newly constructed Kole-Gulu-Nebbi-Arua 132kv power line, connecting the West Nile sub-region to the national grid, alongside President Museveni.
An investigation into the cause of the technical glitch is expected to be launched. The Deputy Speaker’s office has confirmed that Tayebwa is safe and has resumed his duties as usual.
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