Confirmed: UPDF pilot Capt Busingye succumbs to injuries from Entebbe helicopter crash

Uganda’s army has confirmed the death of Captain Caroline Busingye hours after she sustained injuries in a UPDF jet ranger helicopter crash near the Old Entebbe Airport.

According to army spokesperson Brig Gen Flavia Byekwaso, Busingye was on “a mutual training flight” with a cadet trainee.

“Today afternoon at about 2:15 pm a jet ranger piloted by two cadet trainees on a mutual training flight came down immediately after take-off near Lido beach,” said Brig Gen Byekwaso.

“Our aviation team is on ground to investigate the mishap.”

Hours later, Byekwaso confirmed Busingye’s death.

“It is with sadness that we announce the passing on of Capt Caroline Busingye after she was involved in a plane crash today afternoon in Entebbe. We Commiserate with the family of the late and the UPDF Airforce fraternity during this very difficult moment,” announced the UPDF publicist.

Busingye and her colleague, identified as Abdullah had been rushed to hospital where the captain succumbed to injuries.

The crash comes days after four UPDF soldiers sustained severe injuries in a Somalia helicopter crash.

The accident happened as the aircraft headed to bolster troop efforts in Lower Shabelle region.

A similar crash like the one in Entebbe happened just over a year ago in January 2020 during training in Gomba District.

Flight captain Maj Naomi Karungi and cadet pilot Benon Wakalo died in the crash.