Ugandan authorities have destroyed over 100 illegal firearms in a symbolic exercise held at Gaddafi Barracks in Jinja, marking another step in the country’s effort to curb the spread of illicit weapons and enhance national security.
The exercise, which took place on Friday, was supervised by senior security officials and representatives from the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The destroyed firearms included guns recovered from criminals, armed gangs, and illegal owners across different regions of Uganda.
Officials said the destruction formed part of a nationwide disarmament campaign aimed at removing unauthorized weapons from circulation and promoting peace and safety. They emphasized that illegal firearms have been a major driver of violent crimes, including robberies, kidnappings, and community conflicts.
According to authorities, the operation was also in line with regional efforts under the East African Community (EAC) to combat arms trafficking and cross-border insecurity. Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and South Sudan have all reported a rise in the smuggling of small arms over the years, making disarmament a top priority for the region.
Security analysts described the event as a positive signal that Uganda is committed to tackling gun-related violence and maintaining stability. However, they also cautioned that while the destruction of seized weapons is important, more attention must be paid to preventing new firearms from entering the country.
The Ugandan government has pledged to continue cracking down on illegal arms possession and to strengthen border patrols to stop weapons from being imported through unofficial routes.