"We have put the current presidential jet on sale because we are soon acquiring a new jet [Gulfstream V]," Mr Muhinda said. "We are going to sell it at $24 million and we don't want any delays because the more we delay the more the resale value diminishes."

The jet issue first came up in December last year, after Mr Muhinda and the Presidential chief pilot Maj. Gen Ali Kiiza, gave a detailed report to the Presidential Affairs Committee about the state of the current plane and the justification for a new jet at a cost of Shs82 billion.

However, contrary to reports that State House had just signed the agreement with the supplier, Mr Muhinda told the committee that; "We have completed payment for the new jet and it's arriving in the country in February 2009," Mr Muhinda said.

"An American Bank (HSBC) paid on our behalf and we have paid the last instalment that put the jet in our hands."

"We have put the current presidential jet on sale because we are soon acquiring a new jet [Gulfstream V]," Mr Muhinda said. "We are going to sell it at $24 million and we don't want any delays because the more we delay the more the resale value diminishes."

The jet issue first came up in December last year, after Mr Muhinda and the presidential chief pilot Maj-Gen Ali Kiiza, gave a detailed report to the Presidential Affairs Committee about the state of the current plane and the justification for a new jet at a cost of 82 billion shillings.

However, contrary to reports that State House had just signed the agreement with the supplier, Mr Muhinda told the committee that; "We have completed payment for the new jet and it's arriving in the country in February 2009," Mr Muhinda said.

"An American Bank (HSBC) paid on our behalf and we have paid the last instalment that put the jet in our hands."

Source: Daily Monitor website, Kampala, in English 23 Jul 08

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