Nsibambi being pushed in a wheelchair after he was discharged

By Steven Candia

PRIME Minister Apolo Nsibambi was discharged from hospital yesterday, two days after being involved in a helicopter crash, injuring his back.

Nsibambi emerged out of Mulago Hospital at about 12:48pm sitting in a wheelchair that was being pushed by city lawyer Elly Karuhanga. Also present was energy state minister Simon D’Ujanga.

In a brief press interview, Nsibambi said he was fine. When he got to his car, he rose to his feet. “I am fine and the doctors say so. I have been discharged and I am going home,” he said.

The Police helicopter in which the Prime Minister was travelling crashed on Monday at Bugiri Hospital.

Nsibambi and six others were returning from Lwakhakha, where they had gone to receive relief aid from Kenya for Bududa landslide victims.

The plane hit a tree during an emergency landing at Bugiri. Others on board were his permanent secretary, Pius Bigirimana, his aide, Peter Isabirye and two members of his press team, Apollo Muhinda and Rose Oyere.

Emmanuel Basulwa, the pilot, is still in hospital. “He was experiencing pain in his back. I don’t think they will discharge him today. May be tomorrow, but that will also depend on how the night goes,” his wife, Anne Basulwa, said.

The helicopter, according to Basulwa, developed an engine problem about 10 miles from Bugiri.

Meanwhile, the team that was commissioned to investigate the crash commenced work yesterday with a meeting with two representative of Agusta, the manufacturers of the chopper.

“They will travel to Bugiri to the scene of the crash tomorrow as part of their duties,” Suzan Kataike, the works ministry spokesperson, said yesterday.