As the campaign encouraging the voluntary surrender of illegally owned firearms came to a close on October 31, 2026, two residents from Mbeya handed over two firearms and 22 rounds of ammunition to the police at the Central Police Station. This move follows an order issued by Home Affairs Minister Patrobas Katambi on September 1, 2026, directing individuals possessing illegal firearms to surrender them within a two-month period. The campaign aimed to encourage people to voluntarily surrender their illegal firearms through local government offices, villages, or ward executive officers.
Mbeya Regional Police Commander Benjamin Kuzaga announced on October 31, 2026, that the two individuals had come forward to surrender the weapons of their own free will. He identified the firearms as a .22 Long Rifle containing three rounds of ammunition and a .38 Webley revolver containing 19 rounds. According to Mr. Kuzaga, the owners decided to surrender the firearms partly due to their advanced age, which made it difficult for them to continue handling and operating the weapons.
The campaign, launched by Minister Katambi on September 1, 2026, was designed to encourage people to surrender their illegal firearms and avoid legal consequences. Mr. Kuzaga emphasized that the police would continue taking action against anyone found illegally possessing firearms without surrendering them. He urged people still holding such weapons to hand them over through local government offices, village authorities, or ward executive officers.
The surrendered firearms and ammunition were handed over at the Central Police Station in Mbeya City. This development is seen as a positive step towards reducing the number of illegal firearms in circulation. The police have been working to implement the government's directive and encourage people to surrender their illegal firearms.
A resident of Ilemi in Mbeya City, Sikitu Amos, commented on the campaign, suggesting that the Police Force should establish a program to bring firearm owners together for training on the safe handling and use of weapons. This, she believes, would help prevent firearms from becoming threats at entertainment venues. Ms. Amos also advised the Ministry of Home Affairs to introduce mental health assessments for firearm owners.
The Ministry of Home Affairs, led by Minister Katambi, has been working to implement measures to control the possession and use of firearms in the country. The voluntary surrender campaign was part of these efforts, aimed at reducing the number of illegal firearms in circulation. The police have been working to raise awareness about the importance of surrendering illegal firearms.
The surrender of the two firearms and 22 rounds of ammunition marks a positive development in the campaign to reduce the number of illegal firearms in circulation. The police will continue to take action against those who fail to surrender their illegal firearms, and the Ministry of Home Affairs will continue to work to implement measures to control the possession and use of firearms in the country.
Key points
- Two Mbeya residents surrendered two firearms and 22 rounds of ammunition to police as the campaign to encourage the voluntary surrender of illegally owned firearms came to a close on October 31, 2026.
