At least five people were killed in UPDF helicopter crash on Wednesday, 02 July 2025. The crash happened at Aden Adde International Airport in the Somali capital of Mogadishu.
The helicopter belonged to Uganda’s UPDF Airforce but was being used by the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).
Over 11,000 personnel from countries like Uganda and Kenya work under AUSSOM, a mission supporting the Somali military to fight al-Qaeda affiliate al-Shabab terrorist group fighting to rule the country.
Reports quoting Artan Mohamed, the head of the immigration office at Aden Adde International Airport, indicate that the crash happened as the helicopter was about to land.
When it took off from Baledogle Airfield in the Lower Shabelle region, the had eight people on board.
The plane had spun and crashed in a huge explosion and smoke, according to several reports quoting eye witnesses and aviation authorities.
Flights resumed after brief delays caused by the helicopter crash.
WHAT UPDF SAID ABOUT THE HELICOPTER CRASH
UPDF and Defence Spokesperson Maj Gen Felix Kulayigye said the the crash happened during a routine combat escort mission.
“This morning at approximately 0730 hours, a Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) Mi-24 helicopter, aircraft tail number AUO-015, crashed approximately 200 metres East of the North Ramp at Mogadishu International Airport,” Maj Gen Kulayigye said.
“The helicopter was conducting a routine combat escort mission when the incident occurred. On board the aircraft were eight personnel, including six crew members.”
Kulayigye also talked about the survivors in the plane crash.
“The impact triggered a detonation of onboard munitions, causing significant damage to nearby structures and injuring three civilians,” he noted.
“The pilot, co-pilot, and flight engineer survived the crash but sustained serious injuries and severe burns. They were evacuated, along with the three injured civilians, to the AUSSOM Sector 1 Level II Hospital for treatment. The 05 personnel on board died in this helicopter crash.”
Investigations into the cause of the crash have started.
“A joint emergency response team, comprising firefighters from Mogadishu International Airport and the United Nations, along with AUSSOM Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) personnel, is managing the scene and supporting rescue operations,” said the UPDF and Defence spokesperson.
“An official investigation is underway to determine the cause of the crash. Quick recovery to the Injured and May the souls of the deceased comrades Rest in Peace.”
It should be remembered that about two weeks ago, seven UPDF officers were killed in Somalia during an operation. (See Details Here).
In 2023, tens of Ugandan soldiers in Somalia were killed, prompting Museveni to accuse commanders of sleeping on the job, and of being corrupt by sending their bodyguards and personal assistants to the warzone frontline for as low as Shs38m. (See Details Here and There).
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