Govt approves over 190 private security firms and firearm dealers

________________

The government has approved 191 private security firms and expanded the list of authorised firearm dealers to bolster protective services nationwide.

A recent notice from the Inspector General of Police, Uganda Police Force, however, warns that these firms may only deploy guards and manage operations if they strictly follow national standards, including regular inspections, mandatory training, and firearm handling protocols under the Police (Control of Private Security Organisations) Regulations, 2013.

Separately, the Ministry of Internal Affairs licensed 12 firearm dealers for the year, including Stryker Gun Shop, SPC Protectorate, Luwero Industries Limited in Nakasongola district, and outlets in Nakawa, Kololo, Ntinda, and Kamwokya.

This public list will help businesses and institutions avoid illegal operators, curbing illicit activities and boosting accountability.

Uganda's firearms regime, governed by the Firearms Act of 1970, amended in 2006, treats ownership as a regulated privilege for "fit and proper" individuals aged 25 and above who prove reasonable cause, mental fitness, and secure storage.

Senior police officers and the Ministry issue discretionary one-year licences, renewable annually. Firms that show weakness in adherence to regulations can have their licences suspended.

By press time, it was not immediately clear how many firms may have had their licences suspended or dropped.

The latest development comes amid increasing scrutiny from the public towards private security firms.

This has led to increased regulation to streamline their activities. Some of the regulations include requiring firms to register, secure IGP approval for leased firearms from licensed sources, and ensure guards hold individual licences.

Enforcement has ramped up recently, including a late 2024 halt on new private firearm licences to curb civilian gun proliferation and misuse.

The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (Amendment) Act, 2025, further limits pistols to military use and broadens jurisdiction over illegal possession.

Authorities say these measures improve oversight, prevent the spread of arms, and ensure responsibility ahead of the 2026 national events.

Additionally, police urge the public to verify the credentials of firms, guards, or dealers, noting that unlicensed operations are illegal and punishable.

Amid the strict regulations, however, outcry over overregulation and taxes has grown louder.

Firms complain that multiple levies and fees hinder operations and fair wages for over 100,000 guards nationwide.

At a recent Kampala meeting of directors, guards, and officials, they flagged compliance costs, including an alleged sh5,000 monthly KCCA charge per guard, plus firearm and vehicle levies.

Senior presidential advisor Moses Byaruhanga acknowledged the issues, pledging reviews of unnecessary fees.

He noted President Yoweri Museveni's commitment to fund a 1–2-billion-shilling SACCO for guards, easing loan access and improving livelihoods. Yet industry leaders continue to push for lasting reforms to reduce turnover and sustain the sector.

KCCA insists it collects only legal taxes, denying firearm or vehicle charges.