The Uganda police have cautioned security guards and organizations managing the security guards against the continuous poor handling, custody, and transportation of firearms.

SCP Fred Enanga, the police spokesperson, made the remarks during the security presser at the police headquarters in Naguru on April 22, 2024.

According to Enanga, on several occasions, private security guards have been seen negligently carrying their guns; others are loitering aimlessly with their guns, and others are using boda bodas while carrying them, which Enanga said are risky methods because the firearms can be robbed from the guards, hence jeopardizing the safety and security of the members of the public.

Enanga added that the police have written to the Association of Private Security Organizations (PSOs) to intensify their supervisory measures to guard against incidents of negligence in order to avoid gun violence by private security guards and violent attacks against them, their clients, and the community at large.

He noted that the police have taken a number of steps to avert tragedies through the Directorate of Operations and have instructed all of their territorial commanders to detain careless security guards and seize firearms that are mishandled by the guards who violate the police’s guidelines, which are very clear in the statutory instruments that the police have shared with the private security organizations.

Enanga said that the police have introduced a vetting process for private security organizations.

’’We have started the vetting process of seven private security organizations with the intention of having the licenses cancelled, while 20 others are being evaluated for suspension so that they can comply with the guidelines given. The process is going to be concluded this week,’’ Enanga said.

He stressed that the Directorate of Operations is also working closely with the private security organizations on initiatives with the aim of providing greater awareness to avoid significant and external threats within their guard points.

’’We are also compiling and sharing data concerning behaviors and disseminating it. We have discussed the disqualification and termination of security guards’ eligibility to carry or obtain guns, and we have implemented improved auditing procedures at the Department of Private Security Organization and Civilian Firearms,” Enanga noted.

According to Enanga, the police are still making changes where possible because private security services are needed by those who can afford to pay for them, and the police alone and other law enforcement agencies can’t work alone to offer them.