Government has today kick started an exercise to register all firearms in the country in a fight against gang crimes and terrorism.
Minister of state for Internal Affairs Ambassador James Baba says small arms are responsible for escalating and sustaining terrorism in the country.
Addressing the press on management and control of small arms and light weapons in Uganda this morning, Baba said that in Uganda what can be refreshed is the killing of innocent people by the LRA, ADF.
He claims that armed gangs have taken part in gruesome murders including those of Muslim clerics, but that government is committed to maintaining long lasting peace.
“Those with illegal guns surrender them to police immediately. Once our country is secure, we bring development; we attract investors, tourists,” the minister added.
According to Ambassador Baba, government is already tackling challenges and problems of small arms, through various activities.
He called upon civilians with unmarked firearms to endeavor to do so by 30th April, and those who are holding illegal firearms to register them with police at the headquarters.
“We appeal to all Ugandans who have these firearms to come to police headquarters and then to Kibuli. All civilians with licensed firearms should have them registered by 30th of April.”
Baba says the Uganda police force has 43,000 guns, while prisons force has about 6,000. The registration starts today, at no fee.
Last year, a number of government officials and Muslim clerics were gunned down by unknown thugs, while police stations were attacked and arms robbed in different parts of the country.
According to the police, it is these guns that are used for robbing and killing business people and Ugandans.