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Firearm violence, gun control and small arms
Kenya Authorities Plan Crackdown on Illegal Guns
10 May 2013
Star (Kenya)
Western PC James Serian has said the regional security team is profiling people with illegal arms. "There are illegal firearms in Western particularly in Mt Elgon, Malaba, Teso, Busia, along the Kenya and even Kakamega. Currently we are profiling all persons we suspect have fire arms," said Serian.
He said the provincial security team will start an operation to recover all guns in wrong hands in the area. Serian said the porous Kenya-Uganda border could be blamed for... (GunPolicy.org)
Armed Violence Provokes Ban on Gun Licensing in Uganda
27 March 2013
Monitor (Kampala)
Kampala - Police have said they have stopped licensing of guns to people and ordered private security organisations to deploy more than one security guard at business premises.
The measure comes at the backdrop of increased armed robberies in the city and its suburbs that have claimed lives of more than four prominent businessmen since the year started.
"We are calling upon private security agencies to deploy about two or more security guards at every station as this... (GunPolicy.org)
Uganda Gangs Stealing Weapons from Police, Terrorising Citizens
22 March 2013
New Vision (Kampala)
The Police have listed over a dozen criminal gangs that are terrorising residents in and around Kampala.
The media has recently been awash with reports of daring thugs raiding police stations and making off with weapons, killing or injuring security personnel and civilians in addition to rampant robberies of money and property.
Recently thugs raided Mpala police station on Entebbe road and stole a gun and ammunition. Last week a gang raided the suburb of Bweyogerere... (GunPolicy.org)
Strict Gun Control Is Long Overdue in Uganda
14 March 2013
Observer (Kampala), Editorial
The minister of Defence, Dr Crispus Kiyonga, has promised stricter gun control in the aftermath of a shooting incident in Bombo town council in which 10 people were killed.
Kiyonga told Parliament on Wednesday that security organs are to review their discipline and gun control measures in a bid to achieve institutional tight control on firearms. This is long overdue as there have been far too many shooting incidents in Uganda involving armed security officers over the... (GunPolicy.org)
West Africa,East Africa,Kenya,Uganda,Rwanda,Tanzania,Burundi
East Africa Civil Society Calls for Tougher Laws to Curb Illegal Gun Trade
27 January 2013
New Vision (Kampala)
The East Africa Action Network on small arms (EAANSA) has called for tougher laws and increased vigilance among member states of the East African community (EAC) to curb illegal movement of small arms and light weapons.
According to the executive secretary EAANSA, Richard Mugisha, considering that the dynamics and movement of small arms and light weapons (SALWs) transcend the political boarders that divide state parties within East Africa, there is need for increased... (GunPolicy.org)
Czech Republic,Hungary,Côte d'Ivoire,Iran,Guinea,Niger,Russia,South Sudan,China,Uganda,Afghanistan,Nigeria,Kenya,Iraq,Congo (DRC)
Trail of Bullet Casings Leads From Africa's Wars Back to Iran
11 January 2013
New York Times
The first clues appeared in Kenya, Uganda and what is now South Sudan. A British arms researcher surveying ammunition used by government forces and civilian militias in 2006 found Kalashnikov rifle cartridges he had not seen before. The ammunition bore no factory code, suggesting that its manufacturer hoped to avoid detection.
Within two years other researchers were finding identical cartridges circulating through the ethnic violence in Darfur. Similar ammunition then... (GunPolicy.org)
Uganda,Ethiopia,Kenya,South Sudan,Somalia,East Africa,Tanzania
Special Investigation: How Smugglers are Flooding Kenya with Guns
8 January 2013
Star (Kenya), Series
There are estimated 530,000-680,000 firearms in the wrong hands in Kenya. The number of illegal arms has grown over the years and is said to fuel the conflicts witnessed within Kenya and the region.
In an investigation that took close to a year, our correspondent Kassim Mohamed tracked down some of the people who smuggle small arms and light weapons into Kenya and unveils a dangerous trend that can affect the current peace if nothing is done by not just the Kenyan... (GunPolicy.org)
Somalia,Congo (DRC),Kenya,South Sudan,Sudan,Uganda,East Africa
East Africa States to Work Together to Reduce Gun Trafficking
16 October 2012
New Vision (Kampala)
Directors of Criminal Intelligence and Investigations Directorates (CIID) in the East African region on Monday resolved to support Somalia to neutralise gun trafficking across the region.
The directors said arms traffickers were taking advantage of Somalia's instability and location next to the sea.
The Inspector General of Police, Lt. Gen. Kale Kayihura, said Somalia, which is now a reconstructed state, is ready to halt and thrash all culprits in gun trafficking... (GunPolicy.org)
Uganda Police Blame Gun, Ammo Smuggling for Rise in Murder Rate
24 August 2012
Observer (Kampala)
Police yesterday said murders in the country were on the rise because of the rampant influx of guns and ammunition through Uganda's porous borders.
Police publicist Simon Kuteesa told journalists that most of the murders in the country were a result of shooting, mob justice, assault, suicide and love gone bad.
"The major challenge we have is that our borders are porous and there is no way we can fight the influx of the ammunitions," Kuteesa said, as police released... (GunPolicy.org)
Uganda Police, Army Mark Own Weapons to Curb Illicit Trade
10 August 2012
Observer (Kampala)
Hoping to curb the use of illicit small arms and light weapons, the police, army and prisons will inscribe electronic bar codes on all guns in their armouries.
The country has recently been rocked by violent crimes, especially murders and armed robberies. And the police and other security organs blame this increased wave of criminal activities on illegal firearms. Speaking at a recent national workshop for the media and armed forces on the small arms and light weapons,... (GunPolicy.org)
Kenya,East Africa,Syria,Uganda
Stemming Gun Violence in Uganda
28 July 2012
The Independent (Kampala)
United Nations diplomats from over 190 countries, including Uganda, are at the organisation's headquarters in New York discussing a pact to regulate the global arms trade.
The Global Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) would especially check the illicit trade in arms in a global arms industry that, while amounting to US$60 billion, remains unregulated. Advocates for the treaty say this lack of regulation of the arms industry is catastrophic, as it fuels conflicts that claim... (GunPolicy.org)
Firearms, Ammo Marking to Control Illicit Gun Possession in Uganda
13 July 2012
New Vision (Kampala)
The Commissioner of Police and national coordinator of Focal Point on Small Arms, Ahmed Wafuba has advised regional governments to put in place measures that will help curb illicit possession of fire arms.
According to the Nairobi Protocol, the Great Lakes regions and the Horn of Africa agreed to control as well as regulate the transfer, possession, storage, disposal plus destruction of small arms and light weapons.
Despite the agreement, the region is challenged with... (GunPolicy.org)
South Sudan,Uganda,Ethiopia,Somalia,Kenya
Rising Tide of Small Arms in Kenya
3 July 2012
IRIN (UN News)
DADAAB/ISIOLO — A spate of "terror" attacks, aid worker kidnappings and heightened ethnic conflict in northern Kenya have fuelled demand for small arms by civilians and criminals, say security officials.
On 2 July, four foreign aid workers - all employees of NGO Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) - were rescued inside Somalia and returned to Kenya after being kidnapped in eastern Kenya's Dadaab refugee settlement; their driver was killed during the kidnap. In October... (GunPolicy.org)
East African Community Observes Week of Action Against Gun Violence
24 June 2012
New Times (Rwanda)
The Global Week of Action against Gun Violence in East Africa kicked off in Kampala, Uganda on June, 18 with a series of activities to raise awareness of how gun violence occurs, its impact on people's lives and what should be done to stop the "Gun-Culture".
The event is coordinated by the EAC Secretariat in collaboration with the Uganda-based Eastern Africa Action Network on Small Arms (EAANSA) and the German International Cooperation agency (GIZ).
The week will... (GunPolicy.org)
East African Community Experts to Craft Common Position for Arms Treaty
20 June 2012
Citizen (Dar es Salaam)
ARUSHA - Security experts from partner States of the East African Community (EAC) are finalising plans to craft a common position that the region will present next month at the UN ArmsTrade Treaty (ATT) in New York.
Ahmed Wafuba, the coordinator of Uganda's National Focal Point (NFP) on Small Arms, says that the move will enhance efforts aimed at ridding the region of illegal firearms that have led to loss of innocent lives.
"We have come up with a position and it... (GunPolicy.org)
Firearms Amnesty in Northern Uganda Failed to Recover any Guns at All
20 June 2012
Institute for War & Peace Reporting
After a firearms amnesty in northern Uganda failed to recover any weapons at all, experts criticised the ongoing disarmament programme for failing to engage effectively with the local population.
The scheme is the latest to be launched in northern Uganda since a 20-year conflict with the rebel Lord's Resistance Army, LRA ended in 2006. The conflict led to the death of more than 100,000 people while nearly two million were forced into displacement camps. Thousands of... (GunPolicy.org)
Burundi,Tanzania,Rwanda,East Africa,Uganda,Kenya
Lack of Arms Trade Treaty Puts East Africa at Centre of Gun Trafficking
8 May 2012
New Vision (Kampala)
A total of 300,000 small arms and light weapons have been smuggled into Uganda and other East African community countries for the last 10 years.
This is as revealed by the executive secretary East Africa Action Network on small arms (EAANSA), Richard Mugisha has revealed.
Mugisha said the importation of illegal small arms was high in East Africa due to the existing arms embargoes which are too easy to break or ignore by different countries.
"How can the sale of... (GunPolicy.org)
Uganda Soldiers, Officers Found Selling Guns to Be Subject to Firing Squad
11 April 2012
New Vision (Kampala)
Any UPDF soldier or officer found selling firearms or ammunitions to criminals will be subjected to firing squad in full public view, a General in the army warned on Tuesday.
Speaking at a pipping ceremony of recently propmoted officers, a visibly riled Brig. Hussein Adda, the camp commandant Bombo said the firing squad which is provided for under the UPDF Act is better as compared to incarcerating the culprits in Luzira "because imprisoning will not solve the... (GunPolicy.org)
Uganda Government Asked to Expedite the Process of Small Arms Collection
8 April 2012
Uganda Pulse
Gulu Resident District Commissioner Chrissy Owori Odoi has called on government to expedite the process of collecting small arms which are still in circulation among people in Uganda.
Owori says small arms still pose a big threat to this country and may retard development if it is look at carefully.
Owori says the current peace which the northern region has achieved still stands in threat if small arms are in abundance on the wrong hands.
Speaking during a... (GunPolicy.org)
Ugandan Army Soldiers Sell AK-47 Bullets to Gangsters in Local Pubs
7 April 2012
Daily Monitor (Kampala)
'In Summary
'Mine was an easy purchase'
It was a Sunday when I called on an old friend at Makindye. We settled at a pub on Salama Road. Here, we found a lively group of five men chatting over bottles of beer. They conducted their conversation in Luganda and Swahili, and owing to the kind of calls they consistently made, it was clear there was something cooking.
We took up seats close to their table and could clearly eavesdrop on their conversation. One of the men... (GunPolicy.org)
Uganda Govt Marks Police, Army, Civilians Firearms to Reduce Crime
27 March 2012
Observer (Kampala)
As part of this year's mission to create a pro-people justice system, the Justice Law and Order Sector, based at the ministry of Internal Affairs, last week labeled guns before the general public at the Railway grounds.
Anthony Nahaima, legal officer for the National Focal Point on Arms and Light Weapons — the department that handles the gun labeling process — says to date, they have labeled 80 percent of police guns and 50 percent of the army's. The labeling... (GunPolicy.org)
Kenya Govt Launches an Amnesty for Those in Possession of Illegal Firearms
23 March 2012
Star (Kenya)
The government has given those in possession of illegal firearms in Western province a one month amnesty to return the guns. Speaking during a two day workshop on awareness rising on the dangers of illicit small arms and light weapons in a Bungoma hotel, the Kenya National Focal Point director David Kimaiyo said the criminals have been terrosing residents of Bungoma North, Kimilili and parts of Webuye. The workshop was also attended by Upper Western regional... (GunPolicy.org)
Suspected Belgian Killers Involved in Illegal Gun Trade in Uganda and Kenya
22 March 2012
New Vision (Kampala)
Four men including a police officer who allegedly murdered a Belgian tourist in Mount Elgon National Park in Kapchorwa district in 2008 were allegedly involved in an illegal firearms trade, a Police commissioner has told court.
Christopher Kwerit, a commissioner in charge of political education in the Police force produced charge and caution statements before the court martial on Tuesday in which the suspects allegedly confessed that they were involved in arms trade in... (GunPolicy.org)
Philippines,Trinidad & Tobago,Zimbabwe,Zambia,Uganda,Tanzania,Senegal,Congo (DRC),Pakistan,Nigeria,Niger,Namibia,Morocco,Mauritania,Malawi,Madagascar,Côte d'Ivoire,Burkina Faso,Botswana,Egypt,Angola,Algeria,South Africa,Ghana,China,United States,Austria,Russia,Israel,Bahrain,Asia,Africa,Brazil
Brazil Arms Exports: Country Preaches Peace, Sells Tons of Arms
28 February 2012
Huffington Post (USA)
A small, scratched metal can thrown on the ground created Brazil's first diplomatic embarrassment of 2012. The canister of tear gas had been collected by pro-democracy activists in Bahrain. Stamped across the can in blue was a Brazilian flag and the words 'MADE IN BRAZIL.'
One year had passed since Bahrain became the stage for pro-democracy protests by the majority Shiites against the Sunni monarchy commanded by king Hamad bin-Isa Khalifa. The protesters had been... (GunPolicy.org)
Kenya,Sudan,Congo (DRC),Uganda
Uganda Government is Drafting a Bill to Tighten, Control, Limit Firearm Use
25 February 2012
Monitor (Kampala)
The government is drafting a bill to tighten, control and limit the use of firearms by security agencies and civilians across the country. The Firearms, Ammunition and Related Materials Bill seeks to harmonise all existing laws governing possession of guns, including the Firearms Act, 1970.
The 1970 Act only regulates ownership of firearms held by individuals, while those held by the police and security agencies are governed under separate laws. It is not known how... (GunPolicy.org)
Uganda Government Drafts Tougher Firearms Act to Scale Down Gun Misuse
23 February 2012
Monitor (Kampala)
The government is drafting a bill to regulate the possession of firearms held by security agencies and civilians. The Firearms, Ammunition and Related Materials Bill seeks to harmonize all existing laws governing possession of guns, including the Firearms Act 1970.
The act only regulates ownership of firearms held by individuals, while those held by the police and security agencies are governed under separate laws.
Under the new licensing system, the Government will... (GunPolicy.org)
Uganda,Europe,Asia,Americas,Africa,Turkey,Scotland,United Kingdom,Oceania
Dunblane Father Urges End to Global Gun Trade Killing 1500 a Day
12 February 2012
Daily Record (Scotland)
A global campaign to control the trade in deadly weapons will be stepped up at Glasgow University tomorrow when anti-gun campaigner Dr Mick North - whose daughter Sophie was killed in Dunblane tragedy in 1996 - leads a new push by Oxfam and Amnesty towards a United Nations arms treaty.
Here, he explains why the issue means the difference between life and death.
_________
Next month marks the 16th anniversary of my daughter's death.
Sophie was just five when a gunman... (GunPolicy.org)
Five Days after Uganda Shooting, New Gun Control Policy Launched
2 February 2012
Monitor (Kampala)
It is perhaps a prefect coincidence that the launch of a new policy to oversee fire arms and ammunition in the country came just five days after a plain clothed low-ranking officer of the police force, shot at an unarmed crowd in Port Bell, Luzira, killing at least one.
The incident was captured in its entirety on video footage, which was later aired on nation-wide television.It raised important questions about gun control in Uganda, about who is allowed to own a gun... (GunPolicy.org)
Gun Free Zones, Gun Owner Testing Proposed for New Law in Uganda
30 January 2012
Monitor (Kampala)
In its efforts to curb the abundance and abuse of small and light weapons, the government has launched a new policy on firearms and ammunition.
The policy calls for a new legal regime to oversee the acquisition, use and storage of firearms.
The policy was unveiled last week by the Uganda National Focal Point on Small Arms and Light Weapons, a department in the Ministry of Internal Affairs that was created in 2003 to handle cases of illicit small arms.
The policy... (GunPolicy.org)
Madagascar,Guinea,Ghana,Botswana,Angola,Algeria,South Africa,Europe,Asia,Americas,Africa,Russia,Austria,Israel,Germany,Italy,United States,Yemen,Philippines,Pakistan,Sri Lanka,Tunisia,Brazil,Burkina Faso,Egypt,Côte d'Ivoire,Malawi,Mauritania,Morocco,Namibia,Niger,Nigeria,Congo (ROC),Senegal,Tanzania,Uganda,Zambia,Zimbabwe,Argentina,Ecuador
Brazilian Gun Industry Seeks New Markets: Africa and Asia [Portugues]
27 January 2012
Publica (Brazil)
[Translated summary: With the support of the Ministries of Defence and Foreign Affairs, Brazilian gun manufacturers seek new markets in countries with a history of human rights violations: Tunisia, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Philippines and Yemen. Brazil is among the six countries in the world with annual exports exceeding $ 100 million, according to recent research from Small Arms Survey. According to the Army, responsible for supervising and controlling exports from 2005 to... (GunPolicy.org)
Opposition Demands Stricter Gun Control in Wake of Uganda Shootings
24 January 2012
Monitor (Kampala)
KAMPALA - Opposition Forum for Democratic Change party has asked government to strengthen laws governing the safe and proper use of firearms.
The comments came a day after Santos Komakech, a police bodyguard attached to the Kampala Capital City Authority physical planning director, Mr George Agaba, allegedly shot dead one person and injured several others in Luzira when an eviction exercise turned bloody on Sunday morning.
'We demand that police institutes rules on... (GunPolicy.org)
Uganda Opposition Party Asks Govt to Strengthen Gun Laws after Shooting
24 January 2012
New Vision (Kampala)
The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party has asked government to explain the Sunday shooting incident at Port Bell, Luzira that left two people dead and one injured.
During the eviction exercise by Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) officials, a guard to George Agaba, the authority's director of planning, went on a shooting spree when the exercise was met with resistance from the locals and shot dead two men and injured a woman in the arm.
Addressing journalists... (GunPolicy.org)
Uganda Disarmament Nears End - Army Seized 30,000 Guns in 10 Years
13 December 2011
Monitor (Kampala)
NAKAPIRIPIRIT — The army has finally pulled out of the disarmament exercise in Karamoja after 10 years of rigorously pursuing Karimojong warriors to surrender illegal guns.
According to a UPDF report, illegal guns flooded the region in 1979 when Idi Amin's regime was overthrown and soldiers abandoned a major weapons armoury.
The warriors looted the weapons which they later used to carry out cattle rustling and other forms of robbery. The army said the disarmament... (GunPolicy.org)
Thailand,Colombia,Russia,United States,Uganda,Rwanda,South Africa,United Arab Emirates,Belgium,Sudan,Somalia,Côte d'Ivoire,Liberia,Angola,Oceania,Europe,Asia,Americas,Africa,Congo (DRC)
Stopping the Trade in Death, Gun Trafficking, Smuggling - Opinion
6 December 2011
New York Times, Opinion
On a dark November morning in 2004, I woke up in my bungalow overlooking Lake Kivu, tense with anticipation. Our small United Nations team was about to undertake a surprise inspection of three airfields in eastern Congo, notorious for smuggling operations.
With the backing of U.N. peacekeeping forces and a U.N. Security Council mandate, we searched almost every incoming and outgoing aircraft that day. By evening, we had the evidence to link several aviation front... (GunPolicy.org)
Burundi,Uganda,Rwanda,Congo (DRC),Africa
Africa: Six Years On - The UN's International Small Arms Tracing Instrument
5 December 2011
Institute for Security Studies (Tshwane/Pretoria), Report
The ability to trace small arms and light weapons (SALW) is an important step toward transparency and preventing the illicit use of firearms in conflict and crime. December 8th 2011 marks the 6th year since the adoption of the International Tracing Instrument (ITI) by the United Nations General Assembly.
In adopting the ITI, although not legally binding, the UN Member States acknowledged that the instrument would enable them to identify and trace, in a timely and... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Institute for Security Studies (Tshwane/Pretoria)
Ten-year Drive to Disarm Uganda Results in 900 Deaths, Mainly Civilians
8 November 2011
Monitor (Kampala)
At least 900 people, majority of them civilians have been killed in the north-eastern Karamoja region since the UPDF launched a disarmament exercise 10 years ago.
According to a report released this year by the UPDF, 623 civilians and 269 soldiers were killed either in crossfire or ambushes, which brought the army under the spotlight over alleged human rights abuses as they carried out disarmament.
The report also shows that 417 civilians and 289 soldiers were injured... (GunPolicy.org)
New Law to Control Possession of Firearms in Uganda
29 October 2011
New Vision (Kampala)
The government is drafting a Bill to control possession of firearms held by security agencies and civilians.The Firearms, Ammunitions and Related Materials Bill, seeks to harmonise all existing laws governing possession of guns, including the Firearms Act, 1970.
The Act only regulates ownership of firearms held by individuals, while those held by the police and security agencies are governed under separate laws.
Under the new licensing system, the Government will... (GunPolicy.org)
Uganda,East Africa,South Africa,Kenya
Security Threat in Kenya Triggers Debate on Whether to Give Guards Guns
27 October 2011
Daily Nation (Nairobi)
At the Majlis Resort on Manda Island, the night watchman carries only a radio and a torch. As dusk falls on the island, a team of local police officers armed with rifles arrives and settles down on the beachfront.
Less than a month ago, Somali pirates kidnapped French woman Marieu Dedieu from this very spot. Now police are here to guard a handful of tourists still remaining in Lamu, because they are the only ones who can do it.
"The government wrote a letter to... (GunPolicy.org)
Uganda,Sudan,Ethiopia,Somalia,Kenya
Onus Now on Kenya Government to Halt the Firearms Threat - Opinion
9 October 2011
Daily Nation (Nairobi), Opinion
Recent revelations that there are between 200,000 and 450,000 illegal firearms in circulation in the country are quite alarming.
The government must move fast to ensure that this trend of events is put to an immediate halt.
We believe that the country's porous borders are a contributory factor and the authorities must step up efforts to eradicate the menace.
The National Small Arms Mapping Survey, a joint effort between the government and the Swiss-based Small Arms... (GunPolicy.org)
Ukraine,Uganda,Sudan,Ethiopia,Libya,Somalia,Kenya
Police Close Kenya-Somalia Border, Attempt to Block 'Conduit of Illicit Arms'
5 October 2011
Business Daily (Nairobi)
Police Commissioner Mathew Iteere's Monday order to close the Kenya-Somalia border has not affected flights, offering miraa traders and humanitarian workers a lifeline.
Miraa is one of Kenya's largest exports to Somalia, accounting for a substantial share of the Sh13 billion export value to the country last year, according to the Economic Survey 2011.
"We do not have any indication of cancellation of flights from the commissioner's communication," said Kenya Police... (GunPolicy.org)
East Africa,Somalia,Sudan,Uganda,Ethiopia,Kenya
Hundreds Die in Gun Violence, Cattle Rustling in East African Drought
20 September 2011
Think Africa Press, Opinion
TURKANA, Kenya - On a recent trip to Turkana in northern Kenya, somewhere between Maralal and Baragoi we stopped by a dry riverbed. A group of 12 men came into view through the desert scrub. As they drew closer their weapons were clearly visible, a mix of AK47s, ex-government issue G3s and a few older rifles. Our nervousness was unwarranted and the group barely slowed as they passed, merely raising their hands in greeting before continuing on towards some distant... (GunPolicy.org)
Uganda to Reinforce Control of Small Arms Owned by Civilians
6 September 2011
New Vision (Kampala)
Uganda is in the process of reviewing the national action plan on the control of small arms and light weapons.
The plan will provide for the issuance of certificates of competence to holders of private arms.
Under the plan, the country will establish a firearms registry and establish the number and gender of persons with arms besides those under the custody of the security personnel.
The five-year plan covering 2011-2015 will restrict issuance of certificates of... (GunPolicy.org)
Policeman Arrested in Uganda for Allegedly Hiring Out Gun to Thugs
1 July 2011
New Vision (Kampala)
He was charged with maintaining law and order, but instead fanned insecurity. The Police yesterday paraded Corporal Nangai Abdalla, among several armed robbery suspects.
Nangai, the officer-in-charge of Kikooge Police post, Nakasongola district was arrested for allegedly hiring out a Police rifle to thugs, one of them a private in the UPDF to rob residents.
Deputy Police spokesperson Vincent Ssekate yesterday said Nangai was arrested near Masindi post, about a week... (GunPolicy.org)
Uganda Mulls Law Change to Include Politicians in Hidden Handgun Ban
21 June 2011
New Vision (Kampala)
The Government is to review the licensing of firearms to civilians in order to bar politicians from carrying guns to public places.
Internal affairs minister Hillary Onek said most leaders such as Members of Parliament, have continuously carried firearms in public places resulting in scenes of violence.
"I don't see the necessity of MPs carrying guns. It is a threat to the public. We have to review this policy," he said.
He made the remarks during the launch of the... (GunPolicy.org)
Uganda,East Africa,Somalia,Ethiopia,Sudan,Kenya
East Africa: Put Down Your Gun, Pick Up Your Baton and Run for Peace
12 June 2011
East African (Nairobi)
As she posed for a picture with cattle rustlers long used to treating guns as toys, East African Community Deputy Secretary General for Political Federation Beatrice Kiraso made a provocative statement.
"The richest people in the world are not cattle keepers but industrialised nations," she told an audience of mainly cattle keeping communities during the 8th edition of the Moroto Peace Race recently.
You don't tell that to a community that lives and dies for cattle.... (GunPolicy.org)
Ugandan MP, Accused Wife Murderer Legally Bought, Registered His Pistol
30 November 2010
New Vision (Kampala)
A city businessman has admitted selling a Star pistol to Arua municipality MP, Akbar Hussein Godi.
Geoffrey Kalyegira, who deals in hardware and construction materials, told Mukono High Court on Monday that he sold the gun at sh5m and transferred its ownership to Godi in September 2008.
Godi is a prime suspect in the murder of his wife, Rehema Caesar, who was shot dead at Lugojja village in Mukono district on December 4, 2008. Her body was dumped near Mpoma satellite... (GunPolicy.org)
Government Gave Guns to Uganda Politicians, Now Wants Them Disarmed
12 August 2010
Monitor (Kampala)
The Gulu Deputy Resident District Commissioner, Mr Milton Odong, has issued an order to have all politicians in the region disarmed following the return of peace.
Several politicians were given guns at the height of the Lord's Resistance Army war.
Mr Odong issued the directive on Tuesday in a letter addressed to the UPDF's 4 Division administration and copied to the Ministers of Defence, Internal Affairs, Security and that of Presidency.
"Now that there is total... (GunPolicy.org)
Time to Rethink Karamoja Gun Seizure Policy, Register Guns Instead
19 May 2010
Observer (Kampala), Editorial
President Museveni is a bit disturbed that the commanders that were deployed in Karamoja to disarm the gun-wielding warriors are failing to achieve their targets at the expense of lives and property.
The President is right to be upset, but he also needs to research on why the work has not run according to plan.
Part of the reason is that the ordinary people and the warriors alike can't trust the UPDF to provide them with security for their lives and property, against... (GunPolicy.org)
Ugandan Army Destroys Another 250 Tonnes of Guns, Ammunition
12 May 2010
Monitor (Kampala)
LUWEERO/KAMPALA — The Army yesterday began destroying 250 tonnes of weapons in a one-week exercise that officials say will help rid the country of "unwanted war materials". Lt. Joram Kabagambire, the Air Defence spokesperson, said the weapons are landmines, assault rifles, bullets, and bombs captured from former rebels, Karimojong cattle rustlers and other criminals - plus expired stock in armory of security forces. "We destroyed some three tonnes which was basically... (GunPolicy.org)
Demand to Buy, Licence Guns in Uganda 'Increasing Rapidly' - Minister
11 May 2010
New Vision (Kampala)
The number of Ugandans applying for guns for personal protection is increasing rapidly, according to internal affairs minister Kirunda Kivejinja.
The minister on Monday said before 2006, the Government licenced an average of three guns in a year, but currently, his office has received about 1,000 applications.
"I have seen many young boys come to my office for guns but I have put them on hold. The number is growing very fast. There must be a reason for it," Kivejinja... (GunPolicy.org)
East Africa,Uganda,Sudan,Ethiopia,Kenya
Kenya Police Promise Latest Gun Seizure Will Be Less Heavy-handed
7 May 2010
IRIN (UN News)
ISIOLO-SAMBURU (Kenya) - Thousands of security personnel have been deployed across northern Kenya to confiscate weapons after a voluntary disarmament exercise netted only a small fraction of the 50,000 guns thought to be in civilian hands.
Firearms are widespread among pastoralist communities in east Africa, where police are rare and cattle theft and intercommunal conflict is common. Similar operations are taking place in neighbouring Ethiopia, Sudan and Uganda.... (GunPolicy.org)
Kenya, Uganda Guard Regional Borders in 'Ruthless' Drive to Seize Guns
4 April 2010
New Vision (Kampala)
KAMPALA, Uganda — Kenya has set up checkpoints at its borders with Uganda, Sudan and Ethiopia ahead of a disarmament exercise to repossess illegal guns.
This has caused panic in the Northern Rift Valley, where cattle rustling is a common practice.
Reports indicate that hundreds of troops have been deployed at Suam, which borders with Kapchorwa and Bukwo districts of Uganda.
Kenyan army trucks were seen in Kitale and Kapenguria deploying soldiers.
Sources said UPDF... (GunPolicy.org)
Politicians, Soldiers, Police Misuse Guns, Kill Ugandans in 'Bitter Harvest'
27 March 2010
Monitor (Kampala)
Within a week, four Ugandans have been shot dead by the very security agents mandated to protect them. It is the continuation of a trend that exposes the ugly side of Uganda's gun culture.
It is the kind of behaviour that compelled a senior minister to resign some 23 years ago, but not today. When, on October 15, 1987, then Internal Affairs Minister Kahinda Otafiire drew a pistol on the late Jennifer Kuteesa at a hotel in Kampala during an argument, he resigned soon... (GunPolicy.org)
Illegal Gun Trade in Uganda District Blamed on 'Smuggling from Sudan'
24 March 2010
New Vision (Kampala)
KAMPALA — An unspecified number of guns suspected to be from Southern Sudan are being sold in Arua district, the resident district commissioner (RDC) has said.
Maj. Ibrahim Abiriga said security operatives had recovered 15 guns within the last two weeks.
"We realised that some guns were from Southern Sudan," he said.
The West Nile region Police spokesperson, Henry Alyang, confirmed recovering the guns but did not specify the number.
"It is still too early to say... (GunPolicy.org)
Guns Given to Militia Now Being used to 'Settle Land Disputes' in Uganda
11 March 2010
New Vision (Kampala)
KAMPALA — The UPDF has refuted claims by the Amuria district chairperson, Julius Ochen, that the Arrow Boys in Teso still have illegal arms.
The division army spokesperson, Capt. Henry Obbo, said the guns are from the former Uganda People's Army.
He said when the Arrow Boys were disbanded, district leaders were told to register them, including deserters, to receive payment.
"The local leaders assembled about 7,000 Boys and declared that was all, which figures... (GunPolicy.org)
Police Abandon 'Crude' AK-47 Assault Rifles for Pistols in Kampala
7 March 2010
Observer (Kampala)
Mean looking AK-47 toting Police constables will soon disappear from the streets as the force moves to introduce sidearm pistols, the universally accepted weapons in modern policing.
The Inspector General of Police, Maj. Gen. Kale Kayihura, told a press conference at the Police Headquarters in Kampala on Friday that the change of weapons was part of a broader plan to transform the Police from a force into a service.
"We should not be carrying assault rifles on the... (GunPolicy.org)
Peaceful Disarmament 'Failed,' Uganda Army Goes for Karimojong Guns
28 February 2010
New Vision (Kampala)
KAMPALA, Uganda — Karimojong warriors who do not voluntarily surrender their guns risk being court-martialled, the Government has warned.
Information minister Kabakumba Masiko said about 70 warriors who refused to surrender their guns had been tried in the Court Martial.
"The rustlers will be dealt with firmly and decisively and cattle rustling will be a thing of the past," she told a media briefing at the Kampala Media Centre in Kampala on Friday.
Kabakumba noted... (GunPolicy.org)
Kampala Police Mark 4,300 Firearms, Hope to Trace Cops Renting Guns
24 February 2010
Monitor (Kampala)
KAMPALA -- All firearms belonging to the police have been marked to curb the misuse of guns by security officers.
The Director of Police Operations, Mr Francis Rwego, said the exercise will bring to book police officers who have been engaging in armed robberies and hiring out guns to suspected criminals.
"There have been incidences in the past where some police officers were engaged in criminal acts like robbery. We shall now be able to know where the gun came from," Mr... (GunPolicy.org)
Soldier Shoots, Kills Wife, Then Himself in Kampala Domestic Dispute
22 February 2010
New Vision (Kampala)
KAMPALA — A UPDF soldier has shot his wife dead and later shot himself dead.
The tragic incident occurred at around 6am this morning at Mbuya a Kampala suburb. Private James Agaba attached to Mbuya military headquarters shot his wife only identified as Deborah 6 times before turning the gun to himself.
Neighbours heard several bullets in the morning shortly after the soldier returned from his night... (GunPolicy.org)
66,000 Guns Destroyed in Uganda's 3-year Firearm Seizure Campaign
21 February 2010
New Vision (Kampala)
KAMPALA — The Uganda National Focal Point (NFP) on small arms and light weapons has destroyed ammunition in an effort to combat the increase of small arms in the country.
Among those destroyed were 300 explosives, 800 grenade canisters, 38 boxes of gun powder, 15 boxes of propellant charges, 100 tear gas canisters, 4,000 small ammunitions and 1,500 artillery rounds, some dating back to 1963.
The arms were destroyed recently at Bukasa, Bweyogerere by the Police bomb... (GunPolicy.org)
Karamoja Elder Betrayed by Gun Amnesty, Uganda Army 'Cattle Rustlers'
21 February 2010
Monitor (Kampala)
He has dedicated his life to peace, worked closely with the UPDF to disarm his clansmen and once secured surrender of 200 illegal guns in a day. Today, Mzee Aramutori Lokodo is an angry elder, temporary confined by the government at a top Kampala Hotel, after soldiers allegedly grabbed all his 350 cattle last month. He spoke to Sunday Monitor's Tabu Butagira (through an interpreter) about how the army has become what he called a "cattle-rustling tribe" in Karamoja... (GunPolicy.org)
Uganda Army Commander Kills Wife, Self in 'Domestic Violence' Shooting
15 February 2010
Monitor (Kampala)
St. Valentine's Day, observed to celebrate love, ironically turned tragic in Kisoro District after a UPDF commander shot his wife dead before turning the gun on himself.
Lt. David Okumu, 45, the Busanza detach commander, allegedly became furious after his wife, Teddy Akuru, reportedly received a romantic short text message (SMS) on her mobile phone which he suspected was from another lover.
But the police and army remained guarded on whether it was a crime of passion.... (GunPolicy.org)
Ugandan Army Estimates 1,077 Illegal Guns Still in Hands of Karimojong
8 February 2010
New Vision (Kampala)
KAMPALA -- About 1,077 guns are still in the hands of the Karimojong, the UPDF 3rd division commander, Brig. Patrick Kankiriho, has said.
He added that the army had collected 29,923â-‚guns in the last eight years of the disarmament exercise in Karamoja.
"Very soon we shall declare Karamoja free from illegal guns. Then we can embark on integrated development and total pacification of the sub-region," Kankiriho said.
He made the remarks at the launch of the Army... (GunPolicy.org)
Rash of Gun Robberies Prompts Uganda to Disarm Private Security Firms
3 February 2010
New Vision (Kampala)
KAMPALA — Government is considering withdrawing fire arms from private security firms.
State minister for internal affairs Matia Kasaija says some officers from private security organisations have been implicated in using their guns to rob and kill innocent people.
Kasaija said private security companies will now have to use batons to carry out their... (GunPolicy.org)
Burundi,Kenya,Rwanda,Uganda,Tanzania,East Africa
We Must Eliminate the Menace of Illegal Guns in East Africa
11 November 2009
Observer (Kampala), Opinion
During the ceremonies to mark the 10th anniversary of the re-birth of the East African Community, 3,500 small arms were destroyed in a gesture of fighting the menace of illicit small arms and light weapons.The symbolic destruction of the unlicensed weapons fed into the theme of the anniversary celebrations, which was: 'Peace and security for stability and development.'
Realising the magnitude of the menace of small arms in illegal hands, the delegates to a conference... (GunPolicy.org)
Central Africa,East Africa,Kenya,Rwanda,Somalia,Sudan,Uganda,Burundi,Congo (DRC)
Small Arms Control Group Decries 'Huge' Proliferation of Guns in Africa
3 November 2009
Xinhua
NAIROBI — The Regional Center on Small Arms (RECSA) has decried the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in the Great Lakes region, Horn of Africa and bordering states.
RECSA Executive Secretary Francis Sang noted that the center was working in collaboration with the UN Regional Center for Peace and Disarmament in Africa to promote disarmament.
To address this problem, he said, the governments should support the national, sub-regional, regional and... (GunPolicy.org)
Uganda Claims to Have Seized 90% of Illegal Guns in Karamoja Region
17 October 2009
New Vision (Kampala)
KAMPALA — Over 90% (27,199) of the illegal weapons in Karamoja sub-region have been recovered since the inception of the ongoing disarmament exercise in 2001.
A statement issued after a five-day UPDF top leadership disarmament evaluation meeting in Moroto army barracks, said 10% (about 3,000) of the remaining Karimojong guns are buried underground in a bid to evade confiscation.
"Arms trafficking into Karamoja has not been registered for quite a while. Instead, due... (GunPolicy.org)
Government Must Do More to Seize, Destroy Illicit Guns in Uganda
7 October 2009
Monitor (Kampala), Editorial
President Yoweri Museveni on Monday torched a huge pyre of 3,500 illegal guns at the opening of the East African Peace and Security conference at Speke Resort Munyonyo.
This is not the first time that thousands of such small firearms are being destroyed. In 2006, a total of 57,000 guns and small arms were smelted at the Steel Rolling Mills in Jinja. Only a year earlier, the government had destroyed 3,000 guns at Nsambya Primary School grounds in Kampala. All these are... (GunPolicy.org)
After Decade of Forced Disarmament, Illegal Guns Still Haunt Karamoja
5 September 2009
Monitor (Kampala)
Nearly a decade ago the government launched a disarmament programme to rid Karamoja of illegal guns that at the time were largely responsible for the mayhem in the region.
At the inception of the exercise in 2001, illegal guns circulating in Karamoja were estimated at 80,000 by the civil society organisations operating in the region
The government has since contested the figure of 80,000 saying the number was much less than it had been portrayed by the civil society... (GunPolicy.org)
To Aid Crime Gun Tracing, Uganda Re-brands Government Firearms
28 July 2009
New Vision (Kampala)
All guns in the hands of security agencies will be marked in a bid to check the proliferation of illegal arms. The marks will include the logos of the country, the manufacturer and the emblem of the security agency to which the weapon belongs, Nickson Olwa, the operations and research officer of the national focal point (NFP) on small arms and light weapons, said.
"This will ease monitoring of the movement of arms. Even if they are trafficked to another country, they... (GunPolicy.org)
Sudanese Army Captain Sprays Ugandan Casino with Handgun Bullets
19 July 2009
Monitor (Kampala), Editorial
The incident in which a Sudan Peoples' Liberation Army Captain John Kwoch fired live bullets at Simba Casino revellers on Wednesday morning once again highlights how government's cavalier attitude towards firearms can be perilous to our nation.
First, why was a foreign national carrying a loaded pistol to a Casino? There is nowhere else in the world that a foreign soldier can be allowed into a Casino or any other public place with a weapon. Investigations must be... (GunPolicy.org)
Ugandan Security Guards, Police, Soldiers Rent Guns for Armed Crime
11 July 2009
Monitor (Kampala)
KAMPALA — With cotton wool in both his ears and one of his eyes covered with a plaster, Mr Jim Twebaze, 25, is fighting for his life. The clinic bed has become his home for a month now.
"Pain is all over my body. My right eye can't see and blood is oozing from my ears. I fear that I may lose my hearing ability," Mr Twebaze said. He has also undergone a surgery in his abdomen. Mr Twebaze's injuries and suffering was inflicted upon him by the people who were employed... (GunPolicy.org)
US Dept of State Pays Ugandan Army to Funnel Guns, Ammo to Somalia
8 July 2009
Daily Monitor (Kampala)
KAMPALA — Ugandan troops in Mogadishu have been secretly selling guns and ammunition to Somalia's struggling Transitional Federal Government on behalf of the United States government, Daily Monitor can reveal.
Explaining American assistance to the TFG during a recent press briefing to US journalists in Washington, D.C., a top US State Department official said Uganda has been supplying arms to Somali troops and picking dollars from Washington.
"We have gone to the... (GunPolicy.org)
Soldiers Kill 80 Warriors in Drive to Seize 622 Illegal Guns in Uganda
21 June 2009
New Vision (Kampala)
KAMPALA — The UPDF has killed 80 warriors and recovered 622 guns with 4,295 bullets in the last six months in Karamoja.
The 3rd Division spokesperson, Capt. Henry Obbo, on Thursday said: "UPDF has killed warriors who do not respond to our orders when we go for cordon and search operations in the villages."
Obbo added that the army also killed warriors in ambushes and during raids.
"We killed 22 warriors in the last three weeks. This has been the biggest number in... (GunPolicy.org)
Illegal Gun Trade Threatens Uganda's Economy, Says Police Chief
19 June 2009
Uganda Pulse, Web page
The Inspector General of Police, Maj. Gen. Kale Kayihura has said the proliferation in small arms is the leading cause of economic collapse in most African countries.
Kayihura says access to small arms in African societies is one of the causes of civil unrest in Africa which in turns affects economic activities.
Maj. Gen. Kayihura says the political unrest in Somalia and DR Congo among other African countries is a result of proliferation of fire arms.
He says the... (GunPolicy.org)
Somalia,Ethiopia,Eritrea,Uganda,Kenya,Yemen,Djibouti
Gun Dealers Revel in Profits from Arms Trafficking, Somali War Business
9 June 2009
Reuters
MOGADISHU — Sitting on a mat at home between taking orders for arms on his two mobile phones, Osman Bare gives thanks for the riches flowing from Somalia's war.
"I have only been in the weapon business five years, but I have erected three villas. I have also opened shops for my two wives," said the 40-year-old, one of about 400 Somali men operating in Mogadishu's main weapons market.
"Peace means bankruptcy for us."
Despite a U.N. arms embargo on Somalia, the Horn... (GunPolicy.org)
Mogadishu Gun Market Prices Fall, Smuggled Ammunition 'Plentiful'
9 June 2009
Reuters
In Mogadishu, prices of guns and ammunition have fallen in recent months due to plentiful supplies from Eritrea and Uganda and the weapons Ethiopian troops left behind when they withdrew, arms dealers say.
Here is a price list for some popular weapons:
Mortars
120 mm - $700 ($55 per mortar bomb)
82 mm - $300 ($25 per bomb)
60 mm - $200 ($18 per bomb)
Anti-aircraft guns (truck mounted)
23 mm - $20,000 ($2.50 per round)
37 mm version also available, but there is... (GunPolicy.org)
Accused Political Killer Signed for AK-47, Ammo at Kampala Police Station
28 May 2009
New Vision (Kampala)
Ramathan Magara, the man accused of killing two people when he fired into a crowd in 2006, signed for the gun from the Police armoury, a State witness has said.
John Mande, the officer in-charge of the Old Kampala Police Station at the time, said Magara signed for an AK47 rifle and 30 bullets.
He added that the gun had not been returned since January 2006.
Mande explained that Magara, an officer at the station at the time, signed for the gun meant to guard Fred... (GunPolicy.org)
Wives Urged to Praise Husband, Mention Gun Control When Making Love
26 May 2009
New Vision (Kampala)
KAMPALA — Women in Teso region have been urged to put pressure on their husbands who posses illegal guns to surrender them to the army.
"When you are making love, do not just stop at praising your husbands. You should also talk to them about the dangers of possessing guns illegaly," urged Capt. Jeff Okwii Emojong, the commander of Operation Restore Hope in Teso.
The operation is a UPDF special force deployed in Teso to recover illegal guns. He said there were over... (GunPolicy.org)
Kampala Promises to Limit Use of Guns Newly Issued to Uganda Police
26 May 2009
New Vision (Kampala)
KAMPALA — Kampala City Council (KCC) has put in place measures to regulate access to firearms by its law enforcement officers.
"Not every law enforcement officer will have access to the firearms. They will be limited to a special squad of between 25 to 40 officers and only when going for risky operations like demolishing buildings," a source at City Hall said.
Earlier this month, KCC unveiled plans to arm its law enforcement officers to improve service delivery in... (GunPolicy.org)
Too Many Guns in Too Many Hands: Uganda Should Ban Assault Rifles
6 May 2009
Weekly Observer (Kampala), Editorial
Government needs to re-examine its policy on gun ownership with a view to withdrawing assault weapons from the public. There are simply too many guns in too many hands. Most MPs have them, political assistants, and even drivers of VIPs, carry guns too!
Thousands of security agents carry guns even to entertainment places and many of them have misused the weapons, some to settle personal scores, others to show off. A case in point is the recent mayhem that was caused by... (GunPolicy.org)
Illegal Guns Among Civilians, Rising Gun Crime Worry Ugandan Officials
26 April 2009
New Vision (Kampala)
KAMPALA — The resident district commissioner of Buliisa, Florence Beyunga, has expressed concern over the rampant illegal acquisition of firearms in the district.
She said the guns could fuel ethnic clashes between the indigenous Bagungu and immigrant pastoralists. Addressing officials from the Ministry of Internal Affairs at Buliisa community hall on Wednesday, Beyunga said: "Many people have acquired illegal guns in this area and this is worrying us."
She blamed... (GunPolicy.org)
Gun Amnesty Nets 36 Firearms, Ammunition in Ugandan Province
26 February 2009
New Vision (Kampala)
KAMPALA — The Police in Amuria district have recovered 36 guns and 952 rounds of ammunition in the last six months.
The district Police commander, Patrick Karamura, said on Tuesday that the guns were voluntarily handed in with the support of the Amnesty Commission.
"For the six months I have been here, the district and church leaders have helped us to recover the guns," Karamura told journalists in his office.
He said most guns were acquired during the insurgency... (GunPolicy.org)
Ugandans 'Jolted' to Find Police Have No Idea How Many Guns Are Out There
21 February 2009
Sunday Vision (Kampala)
The Government does not know the number of firearms in circulation in the country, the state minister for internal affairs, Matia Kasaija, told delegates at a small arms workshop in Kampala on Friday.
The disclosure jolted some of the delegates who questioned what was being done to address the issue. The workshop was aimed at exploring ways of speeding up the implementation of the Nairobi Protocol on small arms and light weapons.
Opening the workshop at Hotel... (GunPolicy.org)
Uganda Confiscates 2,433 Guns, 179 Killed in Disarmament Drive
28 January 2009
New Vision (Kampala)
KAMPALA — A total of 166 Karimojong warriors and 13 UPDF soldiers lost their lives during the disarmament exercise in the Karamoja sub-region last year.
According to the UPDF 3rd Division annual report, the cordon-and-search operation recovered 2,430 sub-machine guns, 36 hand grenades, three pistols and 11,630 rounds of ammunition.
Speaking to The New Vision, the division spokesman, Lt. Caesar Olweny, said 146 warriors were convicted by the division court martial... (GunPolicy.org)
Ban Guns, Prevent Husbands Slaughtering Wives in Uganda - Archbishop
6 January 2009
New Vision (Kampala)
KAMPALA — The Government has been urged to disarm civilians to curb the increasing cases of homicide.
The Archbishop of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Pr. John Wani, condemned the rampant murder cases of spouses, saying Police should augment its investigations so that culprits do not go free.
"Many Ugandans have proved to be blind to the gospel we preach. Husbands are slaughtering their wives," he lamented.
The Police recently reported that over 86 Ugandans were... (GunPolicy.org)
Uganda Begins to Mark All Military Guns, Ammunition for Later Tracing
10 December 2008
New Vision (Kampala)
Small arms, light weapons and ammunition given to armed forces and civilians will be marked and electronically registered.
Lt. Col. Fred Karara, the UPDF deputy inspector general of military equipment, said: "We are going to create a central database for all small arms, light weapons and ammunition in Uganda. We have received equipment from the Nairobi Regional Centre for Small Arms and Light Weapons to carry out the exercise."
Karara is also the deputy manager of... (GunPolicy.org)
AK-47s Cross Borders Freely in Warlords' Gun Markets of North Rift Valley
10 December 2008
Standard (Nairobi)
Ethokon Lumana Engolon was relaxed and enjoying herding his cattle and goats 500 meters away from his Manyatta in Kalimorock, Turkana South District, when his life was transformed.
The day had began well and his mind occasionally wandered as he took pride of how his stock had doubled and fattened.
He was excited that with the onset of short rains and maturing of new pasture, the long trek in search of water and pasture would temporarily be forgotten.
Excruciating... (GunPolicy.org)
Army Warns 'Innocent People Must Not be Hurt' in Uganda Gun Seizure
3 December 2008
New Vision (Kampala)
KAMPALA — The Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) has issued new guidelines for the disarmament exercise to check social unrest.
Since 2001, the army has concentrated on recovering illegal firearms acquired during the different regimes.
The army has to date recovered about 27,000 guns.
The two-page document has been circulated to all military personnel of the division tasked with the disarmament.
"Bearing in mind that these guns will not be handed to us... (GunPolicy.org)
Uganda Claims to Have Disarmed 80% of Karimojong Pastoralists
30 October 2008
New Vision (Kampala)
KAMPALA — The government has disarmed 80% of the warriors in Karamoja sub-region, a senior security official has said.
Olandason Wanyama reports that speaking at the closure of a two-day National Agriculture Advisory Services (NAADS) review workshop recently, the regional internal security officer, Emmy Twagira, said the region was now more peaceful.
"Compared to what people used to read and hear about Karamoja, the situation is not bad today," he said, adding that... (GunPolicy.org)
Proliferation of Guns in South Sudan Threatens West Nile, Uganda
13 October 2008
Daily Monitor (Kampala)
Illicit acquisition and open sale of small arms in South Sudan capital Juba poses a threat to security in the West Nile districts, the Arua Municipality MP has said
Mr Akbar Godi said today the trade could lead to formation of armed groups who could attack the West Nile districts at will. "I was in Juba three months ago and discovered that guns like pistols are sold in open markets in Sudan," Mr Godi said. "If we don't check out this, our people will fall victim to... (GunPolicy.org)
Arming Traffic Police in Uganda is a 'Little on the Extreme'
7 October 2008
Daily Monitor (Kampala)
The Uganda Police leadership is never short of surprises. This time round, they want to arm the traffic police with automatic rifles to defend themselves against violent motorists. Whereas the traffic police have a right under the Constitution and the Police Act to defend themselves against violent criminals, employing guns is a little on the extreme.
The Inspector General of Police Kale Kayihura, though a military man, is said to be a supporter of democratic policing... (GunPolicy.org)
Plan to Give Guns to Traffic Police 'Absurd' - Militarism Plagues Uganda
1 October 2008
Weekly Observer (Kampala), Editorial
That government is planning to give guns to Traffic Police officers is absurd. It is equally odd that government is planning to deploy Military Police officers on the roads to control traffic.
The government says this is because motorists often beat up unarmed officers on duty when they try to arrest or stop them from breaking the traffic rules.
The NRM government has a conflicting approach to gun culture. On the one hand, it is disarming Karimojong warriors who have... (GunPolicy.org)
Terrorising Motorists with Assault Rifles: Absurd Gun Culture in Uganda
27 September 2008
Daily Monitor (Kampala), Editorial
Time is now for all Ugandans of sound mind and goodwill to stop glorifying the gun culture in our country. The police leadership appears to be obsessed with militarism and a willy-nilly attitude towards solving all crime related issues no matter how petty they may be.
The media has been awash with the news that the police intends to arm its traffic section to counter errant motorists and to emulate other countries like Indonesia, Thailand and the USA. Comparing Uganda... (GunPolicy.org)
Uganda Traffic Cops 'Brutalised by Drivers' Now Carry Handguns, AK-47s
23 September 2008
Daily Monitor (Kampala)
The Police Force has started arming senior traffic personnel following violent attacks on them in the line of duty by unruly motorists.
Lower cadre personnel, including Police Constables deployed to regulate traffic flow will later on also start wielding guns under the drastic administrative reforms intended to bolster their safety.
Maj. Gen. Kale Kayihura, the inspector general of police, said the officers were routinely being brutalised by errant drivers and... (GunPolicy.org)
Uganda,East Africa,United Kingdom,United Nations
Britain Urges UN Members to Urgently Endorse Global Gun Trade Treaty
10 September 2008
Daily Monitor (Kampala)
KAMPALA — The UK government is rallying the 192 UN-member countries to urgently endorse the draft resolution on global Arms Trade Treaty to streamline international sale of guns, which protagonists claim will choke supply of deadly weapons to terrorists and dictators.
Mr David Miliband, the British Foreign Secretary, says the unregulated marketing of military hardware has inflamed devastating civil wars, mainly in poor countries, and emboldened repressive regimes to... (GunPolicy.org)
Illegal Guns Key to Karamoja Insecurity, Disarmament Falters in Uganda
31 August 2008
New Vision (Kampala)
KAMPALA — The availability of firearms in Karamoja, a region in north eastern Uganda has exacerbated insecurity and more people are being killed in ambushes and livestock raids.
Despite the Government's efforts to disarm the Karimojong, recent reports indicate that the region has more firearms than anticipated. The Government has so far recovered 25,000 guns but a recent report by Small Arms Survey; a regional body that researches on armed pastoral areas, indicates... (GunPolicy.org)
Uganda,East Africa,Central Africa
African Great Lakes Nations Brand State Guns to Detect Theft, Diversion
18 August 2008
Daily Monitor (Kampala)
KAMPALA — Countries in the Great Lakes region have been given up to December 30 to brand all light and small weapons in their possession as a means of checking on soaring proliferation of illegal guns.
The Executive Director of the Regional Center for Small Arms-Nairobi Chapter, Dr Francis Sang, who was yesterday addressing a three-day conference on small arms and light weapons in Kampala, urged regional member states to observe the deadline.
"We expect all member... (GunPolicy.org)
Uganda,East Africa,Central Africa
Uganda, African Neighbours Given Ultimatum to Brand All State Guns
18 August 2008
New Vision (Kampala)
Uganda and other countries in the Great Lakes region have up to December 30 to brand the firearms under State control.
Dr. Francis Sang, the executive secretary of the Regional Centre on Small Arms and Light Weapons, yesterday announced the ultimatum in Kampala.
"All the firearms under state control should be taken care of to avoid misuse. That is why we have set December 30 this year as the deadline for all member states to brand their weapons," he said.
The... (GunPolicy.org)
27,000 Guns Seized, Some Destroyed, Cost of Weapons Soars in Uganda
25 July 2008
Daily Monitor (Kampala)
A total of 27,000 have been collected from Karamoja since the disarmament exercise started in 2001, the Parliamentary Committee on Defence and Internal Affairs, heard on Tuesday.
The State Minister for Defence, Ms Ruth Nankabirwa, explained the recovery programme to the committee from the year 2001 to present.
She said the security threat in the region has substantially been reduced since much of the gadgets were already destroyed.
"The impromptu attacks into the... (GunPolicy.org)
