100 Illegal Firearms Destroyed in Jinja

Uganda has destroyed 100 illegal firearms in Jinja as part of ongoing efforts to promote regional peace and disarmament. The illegal firearms destroyed during the event marked the country’s participation in the 9th commemoration of Africa Amnesty Month (AAM), held at Gaddafi Barracks on Friday.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs coordinated the event in collaboration with the African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council and the United Nations Office on Disarmament Affairs (UNODA). The exercise symbolized Uganda’s dedication to peace, stability, and the control of small arms across the Great Lakes region.

Ceremony and Leadership

The destruction ceremony attracted several high-level government and international officials. The Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Jacob Oboth Oboth, presided over the event alongside representatives from the AU and the UN. In his address, Mr Oboth Oboth said that Uganda has recovered nearly 150,000 firearms and light weapons over the past 25 years through multiple disarmament programs.

He stated that the destruction of the recovered weapons sends a clear warning to criminals. According to him, Uganda remains committed to ensuring security both within its borders and in neighboring countries. The minister emphasized that the event demonstrated Uganda’s unwavering support for continental arms control initiatives.

Uganda’s Disarmament Achievements

Simon Peter Mundeyi, spokesperson for the Ministry of Internal Affairs, revealed that since 2000, more than 32,000 firearms have been recovered from communities. Most of these weapons were collected from conflict-prone areas such as Karamoja, Northern Uganda, and the Rwenzori region.

He urged anyone still in possession of illegal weapons to voluntarily hand them over to the authorities. “No one who surrenders an illegal firearm will face prosecution,” Mr Mundeyi assured. After destruction, the remaining metal parts will be safely transported to Nakasongola for recycling.

The disarmament campaign continues to focus on peacebuilding and the prevention of armed conflict. By reducing the number of unregistered weapons in circulation, Uganda aims to strengthen community safety and prevent future violence.

Regional and Continental Cooperation

Commander Ernest Nuwagaba from the Uganda Rapid Deployment Capability Centre reaffirmed the country’s commitment to African and global arms control frameworks. He cited the AU’s Silencing the Guns initiative as a major influence behind Uganda’s ongoing programs.

Africa Amnesty Month, established in 2017 and extended to 2030, encourages the voluntary surrender of illegal small arms and light weapons. The initiative addresses the root causes of insecurity, displacement, and conflict across the continent.

The African Union and United Nations have supported similar disarmament activities in Liberia and Togo. These efforts form part of a broader strategy to stop the illegal movement of weapons across Africa.

In Kampala, H.E. Ambassador Tebelelo Alfred Boang of Botswana graced the ceremony on Thursday, highlighting regional solidarity in reducing arms proliferation.

Symbol of Peace

The illegal firearms destroyed in Jinja represent more than a national security measure—they stand as a symbol of peace and responsibility. Uganda’s collaboration with the AU and UN underscores its active role in advancing continental security and stability.

Officials expressed optimism that continuous awareness and cooperation will encourage more citizens to surrender illegal arms. As Uganda maintains its focus on peace, the destruction of these weapons sends a strong message of hope and renewal to the region.