Summary:
- Private security guards in Uganda are temporarily prohibited from carrying firearms during the 19th Non-Aligned Movement summit in Kampala, which hosts over 4,000 delegates, including UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres.
Private security guards in Uganda have been banned from carrying firearms until after the end of a key international summit starting in the capital, Kampala.
Over 4,000 delegates, including UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and heads of state and government, will be attending the 19th Non-Aligned Movement summit.
The summit runs for nine days.
All private security firms have been notified that due to the summit, the movement of private security guards with firearms will not be allowed until end of the month, state-owned New Vision news website reported.
Police director in charge of operations John Nuwagira told the private security firms to treat the directive with “the urgency and strictness demanded of you by the situation”.
Security has been heightened at airports, meeting venues and hotels in Kampala.
Ugandan police spokesperson Fred Enanga said that counter-terrorism measures have also been enhanced.
President Yoweri Museveni will take over the leadership of the Non-Aligned Movement from Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev.
China has pledged to support Uganda as the East African country gears up to host the 19th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit and the 3rd South Summit. This was revealed here Thursday by Chinese Ambassador to Uganda Zhang Lizhong while handing over 70 SUV cars to the Ugandan government.
Zhang said China will continue to support Uganda in playing its bigger role in regional and international affairs and consolidating solidarity among developing countries through the summits.
“The handover of the 70 vehicles is the latest example of China’s unwavering support to Uganda,” said the embassador.
China had previously provided 70 SUV vehicles for the upcoming summits scheduled for January 2024.
“China firmly supports Uganda in hosting the 19th NAM Summit and the 3rd South Summit. A high-level delegation will represent the country to attend the summits,” he added.
