The Ministry of Internal Affairs, in partnership with the African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council, has destroyed 100 illegal firearms in Jinja as part of activities marking the 9th commemoration of Africa Amnesty Month.
The exercise took place on Friday at Gaddafi Barracks in Jinja and symbolized Uganda’s continued dedication to peace, disarmament, and regional security. The event was led by the Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Mr. Jacob Oboth Oboth, together with representatives from the AU Peace and Security Council and the United Nations Office on Disarmament Affairs (UNODA).
Speaking during the event, Mr. Oboth Oboth revealed that nearly 150,000 firearms and light weapons have been recovered across Uganda over the past 25 years through national and regional disarmament operations. He noted that the destruction of the weapons serves as a clear message to criminal elements and demonstrates Uganda’s unwavering commitment to peace and stability both at home and within the East African region.
Mr. Simon Peter Mundeyi, the Spokesperson for the Ministry of Internal Affairs, said that more than 32,000 illegal firearms have been recovered from communities since 2000, mostly in areas affected by cattle rustling such as Karamoja, Northern Uganda, and the Rwenzori region. He urged anyone still in possession of illegal guns to hand them over voluntarily, assuring that those who surrender them will not face prosecution. The destroyed gun parts will be collected and taken to Nakasongola for recycling.
Commander Ernest Nuwagaba of the Uganda Rapid Deployment Capability Centre reiterated Uganda’s commitment to the African Union’s “Silencing the Guns” initiative, which seeks to end armed conflict and reduce the circulation of illegal weapons across the continent. He noted that Africa Amnesty Month, first declared in 2017 and extended to 2030, encourages individuals and communities to surrender illicit arms and help promote lasting peace.
The African Union and the United Nations have also supported similar disarmament campaigns in other African countries, including Liberia and Togo, reflecting a shared global effort to reduce the spread of illegal weapons.
In Kampala, the commemoration was attended by H.E. Ambassador Tebelelo Alfred Boang of Botswana, who commended Uganda for its consistent role in promoting peace and regional cooperation.