The Uganda Police is set to release a list of seven private security companies whose licences have been cancelled over violation of guidelines on handling of firearms.
According to police Spokesperson SCP Fred Enanga, the companies have over the years, been implicated for failing to adhere to set guidelines in storing, transporting and handling of firearms.
“We are concerned by an increase in the number of incidents stemming from poor handling of firearms by private security organisations. Many of the private security guards have been cited in attacking each other, committing crimes and violence against their clients including factories, homes and betting companies among others,” SCP Enanga said.
Enanga added that such negligence partly explains why there is currently a surge in the number of crimes committed by security guards using firearms.
He added that a number of private security guards have always been seen walking on streets with firearms in a reckless manner which also raises concern in the public.
“These concerning behaviors are not good and cause trauma and anger against members of public and stem from the continuous poor handling, custody and transportation of firearms.”
According to Enanga, police commanders have been directed to arrest individual private security guards moving alone with guns and using boda bodas.
He also noted that the force has written to the association of private security firms to intensify supervisory measures to guard against incidents of negligence.
“Our territorial commanders have been directed to arrest the guards moving alone but also confiscate firearms being poorly handled by these private security guards.”
“We have compiled a list of seven security firms that are being vetted with intensions of having their licences cancelled. An additional 20 are being evaluated for suspension for a specified period.”
Meanwhile, the Crime Intelligence Directorate is doing background checks on all private security firms to aid the process of suspending and cancelling of licences of those that don’t adhere to set guidelines.
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