By Leonard Kamugisha Akida and Ritah Atukwatse,
KAMPALA
The Ugandan government has urged citizens in illegal possession of firearms to peacefully surrender them to security agencies before the end of this month.
The call was made by the Ministry of Internal Affairs during a press conference at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala on Monday, ahead of the African Amnesty Month commemorations.
Simon Peter Mundeyi, the Ministry’s spokesperson, said under the African Amnesty Month, government is granting free amnesty for the voluntary surrender of illicit weapons without prosecution.
“We encourage all Ugandans to actively participate in this initiative by supporting the surrender of illicit weapons and engaging in nation-wide sensitization efforts. Together, we can build a safer, more secure Uganda and contribute to a peaceful Africa,” said Mundeyi.
According to government, the amnesty is part of the African Union’s master roadmap of practical steps to silence guns on the continent, in line with Agenda 2063 for a peaceful, safe, secure, and stable Africa.
ACP Florence Kirabira, the Coordinator for Small Arms and Light Weapons at the Ministry of Internal Affairs, warned that illicit firearms pose serious threats to peace and stability.
“Small arms and light weapons are key enablers of armed conflicts, and violence perpetrated by criminal acts and insurgency in terrorism, causing a lot of suffering, deaths and displacement to innocent civilians,” ACP Kirabira said.
She reassured the public that government will maintain confidentiality for all individuals who voluntarily hand in firearms.
“This is going to be done on condition of anonymity and immunity from prosecution,” Commissioner Kirabira emphasized.
She listed the targeted items for collection as small arms and light weapons including pistols, bullets, AK47 rifles, machine guns, among others. She added that dangerous weapons of mass destruction may also be surrendered under the initiative.
Kirabira further revealed that the ministry is finalizing a bill to regulate the management of small firearms.
“We are mandated to come up with strong rules and policies to control and prevent this proliferation of firearms, and as I speak now, we have a draft bill in advanced stages of drafting. It’s now with the Attorney General,” she said.
The proposed Small Arms and Light Weapons Control Bill, once passed by Parliament, will replace the outdated 1970 law.
“It’s punitive in nature, and responds to the current challenges that people are facing,” Kirabira added.
Government announced that all collected firearms will be destroyed in a symbolic burning exercise.
The African Amnesty Month was established by the African Union to promote voluntary surrender and collection of illicit firearms across the continent.
Uganda will host the 9th Africa Amnesty Month (AAM) Commemoration from October 2–3, 2025, at Speke Resort Munyonyo. The event will run under the theme “Safer Communities under Voluntary Disarmament” and is expected to attract AU ambassadors, AU Commission members, and other dignitaries.
