Uganda police warn private security firms after 23 firearms recovered

Uganda’s police have warned private security companies to tighten control over firearms and guard deployments after 23 guns were recovered.
The Uganda Police Force said the recoveries underscored the need for private security organisations and their personnel to follow strict deployment, supervision and firearms-handling standards.
The warning comes after a firearm recovered in Buikwe following the arrest of suspected kidnappers on 17 September was reportedly stolen from a security guard at a produce store in Kimombasa Cell, Bugiri Municipality.
Police said the incident highlighted the risks of deploying a lone armed guard at assignments where at least two guards are required.
The force urged private security companies to deploy only trained and authorised personnel and to provide sufficient guards and firearms for each assignment. Clients were also warned against demanding fewer guards simply to reduce costs where this could compromise security.
Police said armed guards should travel to and from their duty stations in company vehicles or organised groups, rather than moving alone where doing so breaches established security requirements.
Members of the public were advised to use authorised and secure overnight parking facilities instead of making informal payments to individual guards to watch over vehicles, which police said could undermine security procedures and accountability.
The force also urged guards to remain vigilant while on duty and not to accept food, drinks or other items from unauthorised people. Suspicious approaches or activities should be reported promptly to supervisors or the police.
Private security companies have been told to reject contracts or assignments that compromise established security standards. Police said they would continue inspecting deployments and take lawful action against companies, guards or others found violating the regulations.
The force also urged the prompt reporting of lost, stolen or misused firearms and other unsafe or non-compliant deployments to the nearest police station.
Police called for greater cooperation between private security companies, their clients and the public to prevent the loss or misuse of firearms and ensure that private security operations comply with Ugandan law.