Uganda and international small arms transfers
Implementing UN PoA commitments
Summary
The proliferation of small arms in Uganda and its neighbouring territories is acknowledged by the Ugandan government as presenting a serious threat to the safety and security of its citizens.
This report evaluates Uganda's performance in implementing the world’s key global agreement to control the illicit trade in, and misuse of, small arms and light weapons (SALW): the UN Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in SALW in All Its Aspects (UN PoA). The report makes seven principal recommendations to improve Ugandan practice:
- Agree draft Firearms Policy and amend legislation
- Enhance inter-agency co-operation and co-ordination between, and training of, border security personnel
- Strengthen transit controls Enhance controls on imports of SALW by the state
- Enhance controls on imports of SALW by the state
- Minimise diversion risks through enhanced stockpile management, record keeping and marking
- Enhance transparency, oversight and accountability
- Address the underlying causes of instability, conflict and underdevelopment in northern Uganda
