Demystifying The Firearms Act Of Uganda
In the late Notorious B.I.Gs song we were told it is more money more problems and that should ideally be the case, especially from your haters and frenemies like they are popularly called these days.This usually has the owners beef up their security with high wall perimeter ,tough dogs and hiring of security personnel to add an extra guarantee of safety for their homes, businesses and other investments.
However, the latest incidents of gun violence, and firearms misuse have raised new concerns on the state affairs in relation to the security personnels interactions with those they have been mandated to protect and preserve with cases of murder by firearms on the increase,
In a shocking twist most of these occurrences especially in the most recent months have been perpetrated by members of both private security organisations and the state security owned agencies and whereas some have not been directly committed by the individuals within these firms, firearms, ammunition and security apparels have been found at crime scenes and even worse have been the continued collaborative stories by eyewitnesses that implicate suspected persons engaging in illicit activities that endanger and threaten human lives adorned in state security agency uniforms, wielding guns and kidnapping persons and the fears and panic amidst the population are growing with murders spread across the country.
In the legal context, for one to own a firearm they must have satisfactorily met all the requirements listed including the applicant being 25 years old and above, of sound mind and temperate habits, fit and proper person to purchase and has reasonable cause to purchase, acquire or have in their possession that will also take precaution in terms of safe custody of the firearm.
It should also be noted that the issuing of a gun is at the discretion of the licensing officer and that the license is given within 3 months of receiving the firearm certificate.
According to the law, the licensing and the deputy licensing officers are appointed by the minister who are senior police officers, the district licensing officer shall be the district police commander.
