The government has approved 191 private security firms and expanded the list of authorized firearm dealers to bolster protective services nationwide.
A recent notice from the Inspector General of Police warns that these firms may only deploy guards and manage operations if they strictly follow national standards, including regular inspections, mandatory training, and firearm handling protocols under the Police (Control of Private Security Organisations) Regulations, 2013.
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Separately, the Ministry of Internal Affairs licensed 12 firearm dealers for the year, including Stryker Gun Shop, SPC Protectorate, Luwero Industries Limited in Nakasongola district, and outlets in Nakawa, Kololo, Ntinda, and Kamwokya. This public list is intended to help businesses and institutions avoid illegal operators while curbing illicit activities and boosting accountability.
Uganda’s firearms regime, governed by the Firearms Act of 1970 and amended in 2006, treats ownership as a regulated privilege for fit and proper individuals aged 25 and above who prove reasonable cause, mental fitness, and secure storage. Senior police officers and the ministry issue discretionary one-year licenses, renewable annually. Firms that show weakness in adherence to regulations can have their licenses suspended.
The latest development comes amid increasing scrutiny of private security firms, leading to increased regulation to streamline their activities. New requirements include mandatory registration, IGP approval for leased firearms, and individual licenses for guards. Enforcement has ramped up recently, including a late 2024 halt on new private firearm licenses to curb civilian gun proliferation.
Furthermore, the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (Amendment) Act, 2025, limits pistols to military use and broadens jurisdiction over illegal possession. Authorities say these measures improve oversight and ensure responsibility ahead of the 2026 national events.
Amid these strict regulations, outcry over overregulation and taxes has grown. Firms complain that multiple levies and fees hinder operations and fair wages for over 100,000 guards nationwide. At a recent meeting in Kampala, directors flagged compliance costs, including an alleged 5,000 shilling monthly KCCA charge per guard, plus firearm and vehicle levies.
Senior presidential advisor Moses Byaruhanga acknowledged the issues and pledged reviews of unnecessary fees. He noted President Yoweri Museveni’s commitment to fund a 1 billion to 2 billion shilling SACCO for guards to ease loan access. While industry leaders continue to push for lasting reforms, KCCA maintains it collects only legal taxes and denies charging firearm or vehicle fees.
