By George Bukenya
Kampala,Uganda -Police issue stern warning to private security companies to stop allowing their individual forces moving isolated with guns for it Jeopardizes security in the country as stealing of guns’ increases.
Private security guards have been moving individually on foot or riding motor cycles with a gun, something according to police cause risk of stealing the gun in most cases by force.
The private guards also sometimes collude with the culprits and they take food or drinks which are contaminated with substances which make them loose their consciousness and the firearm is smartly taken.
Speaking to reporters at Naguru based Police Headquarters in a weekly press briefing, the force
spokesperson ACP Rusoke Kituuma said that since January 2026, a total of 23 guns have been recovered and all these where stolen from the private security guards country wide and more than five kidnaps have happened in this period using such firearms.
He said in an effort to deter such criminal acts, police will start arresting any security guard found moving alone with a gun either on foot or motor cycle, this will also apply to police constables.
“Security guards including Police shouldn’t move in isolation with a gun for this doesn’t only puts his/her life on danger but also Uganda’s security at stake because these very guns are being used in criminal acts, “Rusoke said.
” Private security guards just like Police must exhibit maximum discipline, companies must put a mechanism of proper supervision and accountability to avoid scenarios of firearm theft,’’ he said.
Rusoke also cautioned the private security organizations to properly train their forces and told other private companies to hire enough security guards so as to avoid loosing properties which have occurred due to cost minimization.
The Police mouth piece also revealed that a gun that was stolen from guard who was guarding a produce store in Kimumbasa cell in Bugiri District was used in a kidnap that occurred in Buikwe District and ransom of money was taken.