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Tayebwa 'still traumatised' by helicopter crash incident

Deputy House Speaker Thomas Tayebwa has this afternoon provided bits of detail about a reported helicopter crash that nearly took his life and a number of people he was travelling with.

Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa
  • Deputy House Speaker Thomas Tayebwa provided details about a helicopter crash that almost took his life
  • The crash occurred as he was returning to Kampala from Bushenyi district after attending a marriage function
  • After attending the launch of a power line in West Nile, Tayebwa's team flew on a chopper to Nyakishara airfield in Mbarara, where they were advised not to continue to Kampala due to the helicopter's inability to fly at night
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The crash took place last weekend on Saturday.

The deputy speaker was rushing back to Kampala from Bushenyi district where he attended a marriage function.

Earlier in the day, he was in West Nile for the launch of the Kole-Gulu-Arua-Nebbi power line.

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From Bushenyi, Tayebwa and his team flew on a chopper to Nyakishara airfield in Mbarara where they were advised not to carry on to Kampala because the helicopter couldn't fly at night.

However, according to reports, Tayebwa secured another chopper, which he was assured was equipped with night vision.

A few moments after take-off, a fire broke out on the plane, compelling the pilot to crash-land it and safely evacuate the passengers.

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Speaker Tayebwa while addressing Parliament plenary on Tuesday, described the incident as "very unfortunate."

He also revealed that he and the rest of the travelling party were still traumatised and did not wish to speak more of it.

"As you know, I sent a message to our parliamentary group… I was involved in a very unfortunate incident with four Hon colleagues, my press secretary and my ADC," he said.

"But by God's grace, we were given a second chance to live We are still going through a lot as individuals."

"I received your good wishes and prayers and I know that some people are hungry for details. But I request that we don't talk more about this."

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