The government has destroyed 100 illegal firearms recovered from across the country in a symbolic exercise at Gaddafi Barracks, Jinja, to mark Africa Amnesty Month.
The event was presided over by Defence and Veteran Affairs Minister Jacob Oboth Oboth and witnessed by officials from the African Union Peace and Security Council (AU-PSC) and the United Nations Office on Disarmament Affairs (UNODA).
The weapons, primarily recovered from Karamoja, Northern Uganda, and the Rwenzori region, were publicly burnt to demonstrate Uganda’s commitment to eliminating illicit firearms.
Minister Oboth Oboth revealed that nearly 150,000 firearms and light weapons have been recovered over the past 25 years through various disarmament initiatives.
He emphasized that the destruction of the recovered weapons sends a clear message to criminals that Uganda is steadfast in promoting peace and stability both domestically and regionally.
Representatives from the AU and UN praised Uganda’s efforts, highlighting the link between reducing illicit firearms and promoting peace, security, and development across Africa.
Ambassador Alfred Tebelelo, Chairperson of the AU-PSC, noted that insecurity associated with illegal weapons undermines development.
He also highlighted that while Amnesty Month is traditionally observed in September, this year’s events have been extended into October.
Anna Mensah Sackey of UNODA commended Uganda for enforcing stringent disarmament programs that have contributed to stabilizing previously volatile areas.
According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, over 32,000 firearms have been recovered from communities since 2000, with most originating from cattle-rustling hotspots such as Karamoja and other conflict-affected areas in Northern and Western Uganda.
Ministry spokesperson Simon Peter Mundeyi urged civilians still in possession of illegal guns to surrender them voluntarily, emphasizing that Uganda aims to significantly reduce the number of illicit firearms by 2030.
