Police investigating firearm complaint against AG Byaruhanga

Police are investigating a complaint against the Attorney General, William Byaruhanga alleging that he recommended that prominent city lawyer Andrew Kasirye be availed with a firearm in 2018 when the issuance of firearms to civilians had been suspended. 

The Inspector-General of Police Martin Okoth Ochola halted the issuance of guns to civilians to enable the force to carry out an audit of all firearms in the hands of private individuals in the country.

Government figures show that by 2016, up to 19,000 guns were being held legally by civilians and private security firms.

Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson, Patrick Onyango said via telephone that they do not have any record of Andrew Kasirye acquiring a firearm.

"I have seen the recommendation by the Attorney General William Byaruhanga for Andrew Kasirye to be licenced for a firearm. I have crosschecked with our Security and Private firearms Department and they do not have any record of Andrew Kasirye having a firearm. As Police, we shall investigate the matter," Onyango said.

He added that it is not illegal for one to own a firearm in Uganda if they have been vetted and approved by the Inspector General of Police.

"If you want to legally acquire a private firearm, you are supposed to pick a form at Police headquarters then you take back the form to the Inspector General of Police for him to vet and approve you," Onyango said.

However, Kasirye has denied acquiring a firearm despite applying for one.

"It is completely untrue. It is completely untrue. I have never possessed a gun. I don't have a firearm. I do not even know how to use a gun. I have never drawn a gun against anybody. I do not know where these stories are coming from." Kasirye told the press on Saturday.

 "At one time I indeed applied for a firearm certificate but I never followed it up about three or four years ago. I applied, I never got it and that was it."

Kasirye is a former president of the Uganda Law Society and vice-president of East Africa Law Society