By Chipo Brenda
The Ministry of Internal Affairs has warned that the rising number of unauthorized firearms continues to threaten communities, as Uganda prepares to host the 9th continental launch of Africa Amnesty Month next month.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Florence Kirabira revealed that an estimated 40 million firearms are held illegally by individuals across Uganda, compared to just 5 million government-owned weapons, which are properly managed by the military, police, and other security agencies. She stressed that illegal firearms are often used in violent crimes, insurgency, and terrorist activities.
“It is important that people are encouraged to voluntarily hand over illicit firearms. This will promote peace, security, and stability not only in Uganda but across the continent,” Kirabira said. She further urged communities to report those harboring illegal weapons and assured citizens that firearms could be surrendered anonymously and without fear of prosecution.
The African Union declared September as Africa Amnesty Month in 2017, originally set to run up to 2020, but the initiative was extended to 2030 due to delays caused by COVID-19. The program forms part of the AU’s “Silencing the Guns” agenda and is aligned with Agenda 2063, aiming to reduce the circulation of small arms and light weapons across Africa.
Uganda was chosen to host the launch in recognition of its leadership in voluntary disarmament initiatives, including DDR programs (Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration) and voluntary collection efforts in Karamoja, a region historically affected by illegal firearms.
The launch, scheduled for 2nd October at Speke Resort Munyonyo, will welcome ambassadors, AU Commission members, and representatives from regional economic communities. Activities include a symbolic destruction of obsolete firearms at Gaddafi Military Barracks in Jinja on 3rd October.
This year’s commemoration will focus on three key regions – Northern Uganda, Rwenzori, and Karamoja, where community sensitization and outreach programs will educate citizens on the dangers of harboring illegal firearms and encourage voluntary surrender.
According to Kirabira, the government has also intensified scientific management of firearms through marking, tracing, and fingerprinting of weapons held by the police, prisons, and military. These measures aim to improve accountability and prevent misuse of firearms.
Simon Mundeyi, Ministry of Internal Affairs spokesperson, said the initiative is designed to foster safer communities while strengthening enforcement of legal frameworks governing firearms. “We are going into communities to conduct awareness campaigns and explain the laws regulating firearm use,” he stated.
This year’s Africa Amnesty Month will run under the theme: “Safer Communities Through Voluntary Disarmament.” Authorities hope that by combining voluntary surrender, destruction, and scientific tracking of firearms, Uganda can reduce the threat posed by illegal weapons and set an example for the rest of the continent.