How successful has Uganda been in implementing its commitments to the UN Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (UN PoA)? This study from Saferworld suggests that the Government of Uganda (GoU) has improved its controls on the international transfer of small arms and light weapons (SALW). The GoU has fulfilled some of its commitments under the UN PoA. Nonetheless, its enforcement of controls on the international transfer of SALW could be strengthened.
The proliferation of small arms in Uganda and its neighbouring territories is acknowledged by the Ugandan government as presenting a serious threat to the safety and security of its citizens. Small arms act as the enabling tools of violence in conflict and crime within Uganda. The most significant challenge that Uganda faces in relation to controlling international transfers of SALW is in countering illicit trafficking through its porous borders. This occurs particularly in the northern areas of the country and is a key contributory factor to violence and conflict.
The GoU has taken a number of steps to address the threats, including developing a National Action Plan on SALW. It has been a progressive member of regional and international processes, supporting the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) and contributing to the development of the Nairobi Protocol’s Best Practice Guidelines on the import, export, transfer and transit of SALW. The political will demonstrated by members of the GoU to improve the management and control of SALW are to be commended.
There are a number of laws and regulations that control the international transfer of SALW into, from and through Uganda. These contain provisions that go some way to fulfilling Uganda’s commitments under the UN PoA. However:
- Effective legal controls have not been enacted on certain activities and there is scope to strengthen and elaborate existing controls. There is new draft policy on SALW control that addresses many of the existing gaps.
- The development of a new draft Firearms Policy by the National Focal Point on SALW has set out guidelines for the review of legislation, including a significant revision and extension of the legal framework.
- It is unclear whether the proposals for the review of the existing Firearms Act would be applicable to international transfers of SALW made by the GoU or in transit to foreign governments.
- It is unclear whether the review of the existing Firearms Act would also make provisions for record keeping of all international transfers of SALW compulsory, including any that might be conducted by the state.
- There appears to be little formal opportunity for civil society to scrutinise the practice of the GoU in conducting international transfers of arms.
- Civil society has been involved in the development of policy on international SALW transfers.
For the GoU to build on its progress towards SALW control, it should:
- agree draft Firearms policy and amend legislation;
- enhance inter-agency cooperation and coordination between, and training of, border security personnel;
- address the underlying causes of instability, conflict and underdevelopment in northern Uganda;
- enhance transparency, oversight and accountability;
- minimise diversion risks through enhanced stockpile management, record keeping and marking; and
- enhance controls on imports of SALW by the state through strengthening transit controls.
