The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces – Air Force held a solemn joint vigil to honour five aircrew members who died in a helicopter crash while on duty in Somalia on 3 July.
The vigil was presided over by the Commander of the Air Force, Lt Gen Charles Okidi, at the Uganda Air Force headquarters in Entebbe Municipality, Wakiso District.
“They sacrificed their lives in the spirit of Pan-Africanism. They have died as heroes of Africa,” Lt Gen Okidi told mourners.
He explained that the aircrew had been deployed in Somalia in support of infantry operations against Al-Shabaab insurgents. He described the fallen officers as highly skilled and said they were chosen for the mission based on merit.
Reflecting on the tragedy, Lt Gen Okidi recalled a similar loss in 2012 on Mount Kenya and said a Board of Inquiry had been constituted to visit the crash site and conduct a thorough investigation.
Earlier, the Chief of Staff – Air Force, Brig Gen David Gonyi, said burial arrangements were underway in consultation with the families of the deceased.
“This is a great loss to the Air Force fraternity,” Brig Gen Gonyi said. “Their memory, legacy, and spirit will always remain with us.”
He also thanked Lt Gen Okidi for directing that the vigil be held jointly, allowing the Air Force family and the bereaved to draw strength from one another.
The vigil was attended by relatives, symbolising the strong sense of unity and shared grief as the Air Force community came together to honour the memory of its fallen heroes.
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