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President Museveni on Tuesday 18th March 2023 commissioned the first overhauled MI-24 helicopter in Nakasongola, Uganda. The helicopter is said to be the first of its kind in sub-Saharan Africa, and it was upgraded at the Pro Heli Plant International Services Limited at Nakasongola Air base.

“I am glad to have commissioned the first overhauled MI-24 helicopter at the Nakasongola facility. This is another example of our excellent and longstanding relations with Russia, based on a convergence of interests that continue to bear logical dividend for Africa and Russia,” President Museveni tweeted

“I thank the Russian government for not objecting to our cooperation but supporting it. I also thank NEC & Luweero Industries for enthusiastically taking advantage of this good will and building this capacity,” the president added.

President Museveni stressed that the partnership with PRO Heli facility in Nakasongola is a healthy one and describing it as that of common sense. He said there is a big demand in Uganda that has helicopters which need maintenance, overhaul and upgrading.

President Yoweri Museveni also welcomed the idea fronted by the PRO Heli International Services Ltd CEO Valari Copcin to have the Sukois also overhauled and upgraded at the facility, to work with other countries in Africa and Latin America as well as Brazil adding that it is convenient for everybody in terms of proximity.

General Museveni also commended the Managing Director of NEC, Lt. Gen. James Mugira for the initiative to follow up the project noting that many ideas are always conceived but end up getting aborted because they are not supported.

The President further said he has often indicated in writing to the Western partners on how the world should be run not through rivalry but through cooperation.

General Museveni also disclosed the genesis of the relationship between Africa and Russia in terms of support in the field of military hardware saying it dates back to the time of President Abdel Nasser who in 1955 first bought equipment from the Soviet Union as there was no Independent African country except for Ethiopia, Egypt and Liberia. He noted that Russia therefore has been Africa’s partner for the last 100 years and had been supporting anti colonial movements.

The President further said he has often indicated in writing to the Western partners on how the world should be run not through rivalry but through cooperation.The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen. Wilson Mbadi pointed out the major benefits of the facility that include among others self-reliance, combat readiness and employing 200 Ugandan Engineers. He added that the facility will also promote Defence Diplomacy as other countries will be utilizing the services of the plant.