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Firearm violence, gun control and small arms

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)

Read More: New Vision (Kampala)

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)

Read More: New Vision (Kampala)

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)

Read More: Uganda Pulse

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)

Read More: Daily Monitor (Kampala)

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)

Read More: Observer (Kampala)

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)

Read More: Star (Kenya)

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)

Read More: New Vision (Kampala)

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)

Read More: Huffington Post (USA)

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)

Read More: Monitor (Kampala)

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)

Read More: Monitor (Kampala)

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)

Read More: Daily Record (Scotland)

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)

Read More: Monitor (Kampala)

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)

Read More: Monitor (Kampala)

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,Chile,Honduras,Guatemala,United Arab Emirates,Trinidad & Tobago,Jordan,Dominican Republic,Singapore,Kazakhstan,Liberia,Saudi Arabia,Bosnia & Herzegovina,Congo (DRC),Guyana,Mauritius,Latvia,Oman,Nepal,Somalia,Bolivia,Colombia,Venezuela,Peru,Mexico,Qatar,Kuwait,Indonesia,Malaysia,Thailand

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)

Read More: Publica (Brazil)

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)

Read More: Monitor (Kampala)

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)

Read More: New Vision (Kampala)

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)

Read More: Monitor (Kampala)

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)

Read More: New York Times

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)

Read More: Monitor (Kampala)

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)

Read More: New Vision (Kampala)

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)

Read More: Daily Nation (Nairobi)

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)

Read More: Daily Nation (Nairobi)

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)

Read More: Business Daily (Nairobi)

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)

Read More: Think Africa Press

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)

Read More: New Vision (Kampala)

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)

Read More: New Vision (Kampala)

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)

Read More: New Vision (Kampala)

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)

Read More: East African (Nairobi)

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)

Read More: New Vision (Kampala)

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)

Read More: Monitor (Kampala)

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)

Read More: Observer (Kampala)

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)

Read More: Monitor (Kampala)

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)

Read More: New Vision (Kampala)

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)

Read More: IRIN (UN News)

Uganda,Sudan,Ethiopia,Kenya

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)

Read More: New Vision (Kampala)

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)

Read More: Monitor (Kampala)

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)

Read More: New Vision (Kampala)

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)

Read More: New Vision (Kampala)

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)

Read More: Observer (Kampala)

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)

Read More: New Vision (Kampala)

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)

Read More: Monitor (Kampala)

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)

Read More: New Vision (Kampala)

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)

Read More: New Vision (Kampala)

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)

Read More: Monitor (Kampala)

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)

Read More: Monitor (Kampala)

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)

Read More: New Vision (Kampala)

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)

Read More: New Vision (Kampala)

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)

Read More: Observer (Kampala)

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)

Read More: Xinhua

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)

Read More: New Vision (Kampala)

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)

Read More: Monitor (Kampala)

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)

Read More: Monitor (Kampala)

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)

Read More: New Vision (Kampala)

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)

Read More: Monitor (Kampala)

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)

Read More: Monitor (Kampala)

Uganda,Somalia,United States

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)

Read More: Daily Monitor (Kampala)

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)

Read More: New Vision (Kampala)

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)

Read More: Uganda Pulse

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)

Read More: Reuters

Somalia,Eritrea,Uganda,Yemen

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)

Read More: Reuters

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)

Read More: New Vision (Kampala)

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)

Read More: New Vision (Kampala)

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)

Read More: New Vision (Kampala)

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)

Read More: Weekly Observer (Kampala)

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)

Read More: New Vision (Kampala)

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)

Read More: New Vision (Kampala)

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)

Read More: Sunday Vision (Kampala)

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)

Read More: New Vision (Kampala)

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)

Read More: New Vision (Kampala)

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)

Read More: New Vision (Kampala)

Kenya,Uganda,Sudan

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)

Read More: Standard (Nairobi)

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)

Read More: New Vision (Kampala)

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)

Read More: New Vision (Kampala)

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)

Read More: Daily Monitor (Kampala)

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)

Read More: Daily Monitor (Kampala)

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)

Read More: Weekly Observer (Kampala)

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)

Read More: Daily Monitor (Kampala)

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)

Read More: Daily Monitor (Kampala)

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)

Read More: Daily Monitor (Kampala)

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)

Read More: New Vision (Kampala)

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)

Read More: Daily Monitor (Kampala)

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)

Read More: New Vision (Kampala)

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)

Read More: Daily Monitor (Kampala)

Too Many Guns Threaten Displaced Civilians, Say Ugandan Officials

10 July 2008

IRIN (UN News)

GULU, Uganda — Northern Uganda has enjoyed relative peace following years of clashes between government troops and rebels, but the prevalence of illegal weapons across the region poses a new challenge to displaced civilians returning to their villages, officials said. "The region has seen a great deal of violence and so many guns are still on the loose," Phenihensas Arinaitwe, the regional police commander, said. "Some rogue elements are robbing IDPs [internally... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: IRIN (UN News)

Most Gunshot Victims Shot by Lawful Gun Owners, Says Ugandan Group

7 June 2008

New Vision (Kampala)

KAMPALA — The Uganda Action Network on small arms and light weapons has urged the Government to control the rampant misuse of firearms that has left many wounded and maimed. "Majority of the victims with gunshot wounds are inflicted by official guns," said Rev. Canon Joyce Nima, the organisation co-ordinator. Nima, who led the press, the clergy and a team from her organisation, on Thursday visited some victims admitted at Mulago hospital after sustaining bullet... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: New Vision (Kampala)

Uganda,Kenya,East Africa

East African Nations Team Up to Curb Gun Smuggling, Trafficking

5 May 2008

Daily Monitor (Kampala)

MBALE — Security chiefs from Uganda and Kenya have stepped up efforts to end persistent arms trafficking along the common border. Last week, Uganda's and Kenya's joint border commissioners met in Mbale to fine-tune plans to stop the vice. The Minister for Presidency, Dr Beatrice Wabudeya, also attended the meeting at Mbale Resort Hotel. According to the army, the strategy is aimed at reducing gun-flow across the border. through cordial interactions between the... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Daily Monitor (Kampala)

Army Seizes Another 31 Guns from Uganda's Karamojong Warriors

30 April 2008

New Vision (Kampala)

KAMPALA — Two Karimojong warriors were killed in an operation in which the UPDF recovered 31 guns on Monday. The 3rd Division spokesperson, Capt. Henry Obbo, said the guns were found in Rupa sub-county in Moroto, Lokopo and Lolalachat sub-counties in Nakapiripirit district. Others were found in Nakapelimoru and Panyangara sub-counties in Kotido district, Obbo said. He added that 50 warriors were being detained at the 405 Brigade detachment in Kotido. A warrior,... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: New Vision (Kampala)

East Africa,Kenya,Uganda,Tanzania,Rwanda,Burundi,Somalia,Sudan,Seychelles,Eritrea,Djibouti,Ethiopia,Congo (DRC)

East African Nations Will Mark All State-owned Guns to Reduce Leakage

21 April 2008

East African (Nairobi)

NAIROBI — All firearms in the Great Lakes Region, East Africa and the Horn of Africa will soon be marked with country codes, force code and serial numbers in the fight against the proliferation of small arms and light weapons. A workshop organised by the Regional Centre on Small Arms and held recently on Kenya's South Coast was told that 12 manual arms-marking machines have already been purchased through funding from the US government and will be distributed to each... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: East African (Nairobi)

Ugandan Student Gets 9yrs Jail for Illegal Possession of Submachine Guns

14 April 2008

New Vision (Kampala)

KAMPALA — Julius Nyago, a 20-year-old student of Dodoth College in Kotido district, has been sentenced to nine years in prison for illegal possession of guns. The 3rd Division Court Martial chaired by Col. John Baptist Mulindwa convicted Nyago on Friday. The court heard that he was arrested from school on January 17 with two sub-machine guns and 120 bullets that were concealed in a suitcase. The court also sentenced Simon Chepkurei to six months in prison for... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: New Vision (Kampala)

Ugandan Army Denies Selling Guns to Karamojong Pastoralists, Rebels

6 April 2008

New Vision (Kampala)

KAMPALA — The army has refuted reports that soldiers were selling guns and bullets to Karimojong warriors. The 3rd Division commander, Brig. Patrick Kankiriho, said they had set up an armoury committee headed by the division operations and training officer, Col. Paul L'Okech, to ensure there was no misuse of weapons. "We keep record of the guns in the hands of our soldiers whenever they go out for the cordon-and-search operations. Whoever loses ammunition is... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: New Vision (Kampala)

Corrupt Ugandan Army Officers Selling Guns to Rebels, Trading Stolen Cattle

28 March 2008

Daily Monitor (Kampala)

KAMPALA — Kaabong District, RDC Geoffrey Kiwanda yesterday alleged that some UPDF soldiers are selling guns and ammunition to the Karimojong. Flanked by the Dodoth County MP, Fr Simon Lodou, Mr Kiwanda told journalists at Parliament that the UPDF is not only selling impounded cattle but also guns and ammunition. "Whenever we track these guns from Karimojong during the disarmament operations, we recover our very own guns which the UPDF soldiers sell to them but we... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Daily Monitor (Kampala)

Uganda: Gun Running, Armed Violence Could Harm Northern Peace Deal

28 March 2008

Daily Monitor (Kampala)

KAMPALA/GULU — As northern Uganda prepares for a post-war recovery programme that will see thousands of displaced people resume a normal life, arms trafficking is becoming a serious security concern among the stakeholders. Security and local leaders fear that the problem of illegal guns and weapons said to be in the hands of former LRA combatants, Karimojong warriors, army deserters, robbers, arms traffickers from Southern Sudan, Somalia and DR Congo could seriously... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Daily Monitor (Kampala)

Ugandan Army Seizes Guns, Aims to Curb Illegal Arms Trade, Smuggling

26 March 2008

New Vision (Kampala)

There are clandestine markets dealing in small arms and light weapons along Uganda's borders, the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Aronda Nyakairima, has said. Nyakairima said the weapons were being used in criminal activities against both civilians and security agents. "We are aware that there are some well established markets that sell small arms and light weapons along Uganda's borders and trading routes. All these help to sustain the trafficking of illicit arms,"... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: New Vision (Kampala)

Ugandan Army Cancels Karamojong Gun Amnesty, Will Jail Firearm Owners

25 March 2008

Daily Monitor (Kampala)

MOROTO — The army will not grant any more amnesty to Karimojong warriors arrested with guns. According to the division commander, Brig. Patrick Kankiriho, any Karimojong warrior arrested with an illegal gun shall be court martialled immediately and sentenced to imprisonment. Under the UPDF amnesty — any Karimojong warrior who voluntarily hands over a gun or is arrested with a gun during cordon and search operation, is to be set free after handing over the gun. ... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Daily Monitor (Kampala)

Former Rebels Told to Surrender Illegal Guns Hidden in West Nile Region

16 March 2008

New Vision (Kampala)

KAMPALA — The army has called on former combatants in the West Nile region to surrender military weapons in their possession. Capt. Robert Kamara, the regional UPDF spokesman, said they had evidence that former soldiers had guns hidden in discreet arms banks. "There were various rebel groups that signed peace agreements with the Government and declared their arms. But we believe that some of them did not have the opportunity to surrender them. It is time to do so,"... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: New Vision (Kampala)

Uganda,Sudan,Africa

Ugandan Military Seize 'Massive Cache' of Illegal Guns in West Nile Region

15 March 2008

Sunday Vision (Kampala)

A massive cache of illegal arms has been seized by security agencies in the West Nile region, in the past fortnight. With the accumulation of illegal arms in the West Nile, following the 20-year-old LRA war and other armed conflicts in the neighbouring region's neighbouring countries, the security agencies swung into action early this month, to halt it. The operation by security and intelligence services and local people, followed an arrest of a suspected arms... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Sunday Vision (Kampala)

Ugandan Army Generals Linked to 'Merchant of Death' Gun Runner Bout

10 March 2008

Daily Monitor (Kampala)

KAMPALA — Mr Viktor Bout, the world's most notorious illegal arms baron who was arrested in Thailand at the weekend, sold arms to Uganda and illegally used Entebbe International Airport to ship arms to DR Congo and Liberia. Former Russian KGB officer Bout — nicknamed the "Merchant of Death" — is believed to have supplied weapons to dozens of rebel groups the world over, including the Taliban and al-Qaeda-linked groups. A report by the Belgian International... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Daily Monitor (Kampala)

Uganda Continues Drive to Disarm Karamoja Herders, 91 More Guns Seized

9 March 2008

New Vision (Kampala)

KAMPALA — The UPDF has recovered 91 guns in the first six days of March in the on-going operation to recover illegally owned firearms in Karamoja sub-region. In a telephone interview with The New Vision, the spokesman of the 3rd Division, Captain Henry Obbo said 18 of the guns were recovered after the infantry supported by a reconnaissance helicopter raided Morungole mountains in Kaabong District. Obbo said one warrior was killed in an exchange of fire that lasted... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: New Vision (Kampala)

'Shoot First' Law Gives Texans Unprecedented Right to Kill Suspects

21 February 2008

ABC News (USA)

In Texas, more than ever before, burglars and thieves are on notice. From a quiet street in an upscale neighborhood outside Houston to a junk-strewn yard on the other side of the tracks, some Texans are shooting first and asking questions later. In the Lone Star state, where the six-gun tamed the frontier, shooting bad guys is a time-honored tradition. But a new state law, based on the old idea that "a man's home is his castle," gives Texans unprecedented legal... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: ABC News (USA)

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