security 24 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Gun Fingerprinting Initiative in Uganda Stalls Amid Journalist Shooting Fallout
Uganda's promised firearm fingerprinting system, aimed at tracking guns used in crimes, has made little progress despite government pledges, sparking renewed debate after the killing of journalist Joe Nam. Experts highlight issues like fragmented databases, illicit arms, and lack of political will as key barriers to effective implementation. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/magazines/people-power/arrested-development-as-gun-fingerprinting-exercise-stalls-5435460
The fatal shooting of journalist Joe Nam has reignited calls for Uganda’s stalled gun fingerprinting program. Launched years ago to register firearms and capture ballistic signatures, the initiative was meant to boost investigations and hold security forces accountable.
Security experts note that while officials claimed nearly all registered guns were fingerprinted by 2022, the system lacks an integrated database for quick matching. This fragmentation limits its value, especially against crimes involving unregistered illicit weapons.
Job Kiija from IDEA criticizes bureaucratic delays and inconsistent funding, urging Parliament to tie security budgets to clear milestones. He calls for a Forensic Impact Audit to track prosecutions and restore public trust.
Veteran journalist Baker Batte argues the core problem isn’t fingerprinting itself but siloed data systems, like those from NIRA. He points to public suspicions of state-linked crimes, citing arrests of UPDF and police officers in high-profile cases.
Lawyer Timothy Chemonges demands timelines, updates, and independent oversight. A 2019 police statement detailed joint efforts by UPDF, UPF, and others using IBIS technology, but progress has since gone quiet.
Security analyst Felix Ocen questions if funding shortages or deprioritization derailed the plan, amid ongoing gun violence concerns.