By Steven Candia

THE UK government has donated to Uganda a weapon-destroying machine, boosting both national and regional efforts to combat the proliferation of small arms and light weapons.

The machine, specifically designed to destroy firearms, is expected to help improve regional peace and stability.

With a capacity to destroy up to 50 pistols in one hour, the machine cuts firearms to pieces, rendering them useless. The pieces can then be smelted and used for other purposes.

The machine will replace the previous system of burning weapons.

Maj. Gen. Jonathan Shaw of the UK defence ministry on Friday handed the machine over to the defence state minister, Gen. Jeje Odongo, at the British High Commission in Kampala.

“We are extremely grateful for this machine. Destroying illegal weapons has been a challenge for Uganda,” Odongo said.

The donation comes a few months after Uganda destroyed a huge collection of illegal firearms at a public ceremony at the Speke Resort Munyonyo.

Shaw said the UK was impressed with Uganda’s efforts in curbing the proliferation of illegal firearms.