Uganda Police have ordered private security organizations (PSOs) to implement stricter controls over firearms issued to guards following the recovery of 23 stolen weapons since January 2026, according to Police spokesperson ACP Kituuma Rusoke. The directive emphasizes ensuring only authorized personnel handle firearms, with strict protocols for their movement between armouries and security posts. Rusoke warned that lax oversight could enable guns to fall into criminal hands, citing the risk of weapons being used against the very businesses PSOs are hired to protect.
Rusoke outlined specific measures for PSOs, including rigorous vetting and training of guards, maintaining detailed records of firearm movements, and immediate reporting of lost or stolen weapons. He highlighted a September 17 incident where a recovered firearm was linked to a kidnapping case in Buikwe, underscoring the dangers of unsecured arms. The police also cautioned against understaffing security posts to cut costs, warning that inadequate deployment increases the likelihood of theft. 'Clients should not insist on few guards to cut costs, because sometimes you may find few guards are deployed, even a single deployment, because people want to cut costs, and at the end of the day the gun ends up in criminal hands,' Rusoke said.
The directive comes after inter-agency security frameworks recovered 23 firearms from private security personnel since January, with Rusoke stressing that the number serves as a critical warning. PSOs are now required to assign firearms based on site-specific risks, ensure accountability for each weapon, and restrict access to authorized personnel only. 'PSOs are entrusted with the protection of lives and property, and some are authorised to handle firearms. That is precisely why their operations should be conducted with discipline, proper supervision and strict accountability,' Rusoke emphasized.
Police are urging PSOs to prioritize armoury management and transparency, warning that failure to comply could exacerbate public safety risks. The call follows a series of incidents, including a recent arson attack in Nansana and a fatal road accident in Kayunga, highlighting broader security challenges. Rusoke reiterated that prompt reporting of lost weapons enables authorities to trace them before they are used in crimes, reinforcing the need for immediate action by security firms and their clients.