The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), together with the Ugandan government, have pledged to support the family of a man who was killed when a UPDF’s military helicopter crashed into his home.
John Mukidi, a resident of Nyamisingiri village in Ntoroko district, died tragically when the helicopter broke through his roof as it crashed to the ground.
Speaking on behalf of the Air Force, Maj. Naboth Mugisha stated that the government would handle all aspects of Mukidi’s funeral preparations. Mukidi was the father of ten children.
“We have been in touch with the family, and we have agreed on where to bury him,” Maj. Mugisha said.
He added that the UPDF will provide all the necessary support to ensure that he is given a decent send-off.
According to the deceased’s family, they are grateful to the government and the UPDF for the support rendered.
“We are very grateful to the government for helping us during this difficult time,” said one of Mukidi’s relatives. “We have lost our father, but we are comforted by the fact that the government is there for us.”
The family has, however, requested that the government construct a new house for them after their previous one was destroyed in the crash.
“We have nowhere to live now,” said another relative. “We hope that the government will help us rebuild our lives.”
The government has not yet responded to the family’s request for a new house.