News
Police recover abandoned rusty AK-47 during building demolition
Kawala revealed that the building under demolition had reportedly previously been occupied by individuals believed to be notorious criminals.
The recovered firearm and ammunition were secured for further examination and investigation. (Courtesy photo)
By: Charles Etukuri, Journalist @New Vision
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Police have recovered an abandoned rusty AK-47 rifle and ammunition from a dilapidated building that was being demolished in Kijabijo cell, Kimwanyi ward, Kira municipality, Wakiso district.
Kampala Metropolitan Police (KMP) confirmed the recovery on Sunday (August 23), saying the firearm was found after information was received about an abandoned gun at the premises.
Racheal Kawala, the KMP spokesperson, said on Saturday, August 22, 2026, information was received regarding an abandoned firearm in a dilapidated building that was under demolition.
“Police at Kasangati responded to the information and recovered an AK-47 rifle together with some ammunition from the old building,” she said.
Kawala revealed that the building under demolition had reportedly previously been occupied by individuals believed to be notorious criminals.
She said one of the former occupants was arrested in connection with the shooting of a mobile money attendant in Ntinda in 2024.
“The recovered firearm and ammunition were secured for further examination and investigation. Police continue to conduct inquiries to establish the ownership and circumstances under which the firearm was kept at the premises, as well as to identify and apprehend any other persons connected to the matter,” she added.
Theft and recovery of firearms in Uganda usually involve a mix of targeted assaults on state security personnel, negligence by private guards and residential break-ins.
On Tuesday, August 18, 2026, police at Katwe arrested five suspects in connection with the theft of a firearm loaded with five rounds of ammunition from a Chinese road construction camp in Bunamwaya, Makindye-Ssabagabo.
In a statement, KMP said that on August 18, 2026, at around 7:00 am, Charles Chandiga, a security guard employed by Capital Guard and attached to the Chinese road construction camp, returned to the camp within the construction site without his firearm.
She said one of the former occupants was arrested in connection with the shooting of a mobile money attendant in Ntinda in 2024.
“The recovered firearm and ammunition were secured for further examination and investigation. Police continue to conduct inquiries to establish the ownership and circumstances under which the firearm was kept at the premises, as well as to identify and apprehend any other persons connected to the matter,” she added.
Theft and recovery of firearms in Uganda usually involve a mix of targeted assaults on state security personnel, negligence by private guards and residential break-ins.
On Tuesday, August 18, 2026, police at Katwe arrested five suspects in connection with the theft of a firearm loaded with five rounds of ammunition from a Chinese road construction camp in Bunamwaya, Makindye-Ssabagabo.
In a statement, KMP said that on August 18, 2026, at around 7:00 am, Charles Chandiga, a security guard employed by Capital Guard and attached to the Chinese road construction camp, returned to the camp within the construction site without his firearm.
He reported the loss to his operations officer, explaining that he had fallen asleep and, upon waking up, discovered that his gun was missing.
The matter was immediately reported to Kikumbi Police Station, after which police sought the assistance of the K9 Unit in the investigation.
A police sniffer dog, Sophia, was introduced at the exact spot where Chandiga had slept. The dog picked up the scent and began tracking. It moved for about 20 metres before approaching one of the tractors, where it circled around and sat down, indicating the presence of the scent.
Although the tractor was locked, the Chinese construction workers opened it, and the stolen firearm was recovered together with five rounds of ammunition.
The K9 was then reintroduced inside the tractor and continued tracking for approximately 100 metres towards the camp where the security personnel reside. Among the several rooms occupied by the guards, the dog went straight into a room belonging to Chandiga, the very security guard who had reported the firearm missing.
Chandiga, together with other night guards from the same security company, were arrested and taken to the police for further questioning and investigation.
The matter was immediately reported to Kikumbi Police Station, after which police sought the assistance of the K9 Unit in the investigation.
A police sniffer dog, Sophia, was introduced at the exact spot where Chandiga had slept. The dog picked up the scent and began tracking. It moved for about 20 metres before approaching one of the tractors, where it circled around and sat down, indicating the presence of the scent.
Although the tractor was locked, the Chinese construction workers opened it, and the stolen firearm was recovered together with five rounds of ammunition.
The K9 was then reintroduced inside the tractor and continued tracking for approximately 100 metres towards the camp where the security personnel reside. Among the several rooms occupied by the guards, the dog went straight into a room belonging to Chandiga, the very security guard who had reported the firearm missing.
Chandiga, together with other night guards from the same security company, were arrested and taken to the police for further questioning and investigation.