Police recover 23 guns linked to private security firms
“Twenty-three firearms are out there in the hands of armed criminals. This can never be good,” Kituuma pointed out. As a result, the Uganda Police Force has called on private security organisations to strengthen supervision and ensure that only trained and authorised guards are deployed with firearms.
Kituuma said the number of guards deployed at a particular site should also correspond with the security needs of the premises, warning companies and clients against reducing the number of guards simply to cut costs.
KAMPALA - Police and other security agencies have recovered 23 firearms allegedly stolen from private security organisations since January, raising concern over weapons ending up in the hands of criminals.
Police spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma told journalists today (September 28) at the police headquarters in Naguru, Kampala, that the recoveries point to weaknesses in the management, supervision and movement of armed private security guards.
“Twenty-three firearms are out there in the hands of armed criminals. This can never be good,” Kituuma pointed out
As a result, the Uganda Police Force has called on private security organisations to strengthen supervision and ensure that only trained and authorised guards are deployed with firearms.
Kituuma said the number of guards deployed at a particular site should also correspond with the security needs of the premises, warning companies and clients against reducing the number of guards simply to cut costs.
Kituuma cited a firearm recovered on September 17, which he said had earlier been stolen from a private security guard during a lone deployment.
According to Kituuma, the firearm was later recovered from criminals suspected of involvement in kidnappings for ransom.
Police spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma told journalists today (September 28) at the police headquarters in Naguru, Kampala, that the recoveries point to weaknesses in the management, supervision and movement of armed private security guards. (Credit: Mpalanyi Ssentongo)
He warned that negligence in handling firearms by private security organisations has wider implications for public safety.
Kituuma said armed guards should travel to and from their duty stations in organised groups, and that firearms should be transported in accordance with Police guidelines.
He further cautioned guards against being distracted while negotiating parking arrangements, citing an earlier incident in Masindi where criminals allegedly attempted to disarm a guard after pretending to negotiate parking fees
Kituuma directed Police commanders and officers on the ground to arrest security guards found recklessly moving around with firearms outside the prescribed procedures.
He also urged security companies to immediately report cases in which guards are attacked or where firearms are stolen.
“Reporting an incident very fast helps in the subsequent investigations and increases the chances that key pieces of evidence would be recovered or suspects arrested,” he said
The Police spokesperson said private security organisations are regulated under the Control of Private Security Organisations Regulations, 2013, and should ensure discipline, supervision and accountability in their operations.
In March this year, police released a list of 191 licensed private security firms and 12 licensed gun dealers countrywide.