THERE are clandestine markets dealing in small arms and light weapons along Uganda’s borders, the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Aronda Nyakairima, has said.
Nyakairima said the weapons were being used in criminal activities against both civilians and security agents.
“We are aware that there are some well established markets that sell small arms and light weapons along Uganda’s borders and trading routes. All these help to sustain the trafficking of illicit arms,” Nyakairima said yesterday.
His message was contained in a speech read by Brig. Robert Rusoke, the UPDF Joint Chief of Staff, at the opening of a workshop for senior army officers at Hotel Africana in Kampala.
Nyakairima said the UPDF would strengthen its surveillance on all borders to check the proliferation of arms.
“Military weapons, particularly sub-machine guns, are preferred by criminals and rebels because of their efficiency and convenience in handling, maintenance and concealment,” he said.
He added that the UPDF had so far destroyed over 57,000 illegal guns.
Some of these, he said, were either seized, captured or surrendered voluntarily.
On the disarmament exercise in Karamoja, the general said significant success had been registered, saying security in the region had improved.
Richard Nabudere, the outgoing coordinator of the Small Arms National Focal Point, said the issue of illegal guns was a worldwide concern that required a combined effort to be fought.
