Government has started the process of registering and marking all weapons in state possession, private security organizations and those owned by civilians.
This move to manage and control arms according to the State Minister of Internal Affairs, James Baba is to curb incidents of conflict and terrorism among other related crimes.
Registration of fire arms is ongoing at all district police headquarters in the country as part of routine renewal of fire arms licenses.
Upon registration and licensing, these arms are to be taken to Kibuli Central Fire arms Registry for marking.
“Proper national control over government stockpiles of all weapons is essential. Government is committed to providing long lasting peace and stability to its citizens,” said Minister Baba.
The National Focal Point and other sister security agencies have marked all weapons in the state possession and civilians to enhance easy identification and traceability of lost fire arms
“Due to some unforeseen challenges, some few fire arms/weapons may not have been marked. Those with unmarked arms must ensure that they register and mark them by April 30.”
The Minister highlighted that killings of innocent people in the recent past and cases of armed criminal gangs that unleash terror are attributed to the possession of illegal guns.
Joe Borua, the Public Relations Officer of National Focal Point on Small Arms and Light Weapons said that those who won’t comply will have their arms confiscated.
“Those with unregistered or unmarked guns will have those weapons taken away by the state and be charged in accordance to Section 4 and 32 of the Fire Arms Act.”
The Constitution of Uganda allows civilians above the age of 25 to own fire arms, however the process of acquiring such weapons is subject to conditions on usage.