Uganda & African Union Destroy Illicit Firearms
Kampala, Uganda In a high-profile show of commitment to peace and security, Uganda, in partnership with the African Union (AU), publicly destroyed over 100 illicit firearms today. The weapons were incinerated at the Gaddafi Army Barracks in Jinja, marking the official launch of Uganda’s observance of the 2025 Africa Amnesty Month under the theme: “Safer Communities through Voluntary Disarmament.”
Presiding over the event, Uganda’s Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Jacob Marksons Oboth, urged anyone still holding illegal firearms to surrender them voluntarily to authorities. “We need to silence the guns through voluntary disarmament,” he declared, stressing that the symbolic destruction reflects a deeper commitment to citizen safety and regional stability.
AU Peace and Security Council chairperson, Tebelelo Boang, underscored the significance of the act, stating: “Firearms destroyed, potential lives saved, and hope renewed.”
Why This Matters
Security & stability: The move contributes toward reducing arms-based violence in communities, especially in conflict-prone zones.
Regional implications: Illicit arms trade often crosses borders; this act aligns Uganda with continental efforts to crack down on small arms proliferation.
Symbolism & trust: Holding a public destruction ceremony helps build legitimacy and trust in security agencies, showing transparency.
Challenges & Questions Going Forward
Will those in possession of arms truly surrender them, or will clandestine stockpiles remain?
How will disarmament efforts be paired with community reintegration, conflict resolution, and policing reforms?
Can this symbolism translate into sustained reductions in arms-enabled crime, or is it a one-off optics exercise?
What Next?
Authorities say the destruction is but a start. Over the coming weeks, a nationwide campaign will follow, with collection points opened in districts across the country. Law enforcement officials promise to back up disarmament with tough enforcement — anyone found with illegal arms after the amnesty period faces rigorous prosecution.
As communities look on, many will gauge whether this initiative yields real change or remains symbolic. For now, the message is clear: the state is sending a strong signal that weapons have no place in Uganda’s future.
