Concealed Pistol and Ammunition Seized from Passenger at Entebbe Airport

(Entebbe) – The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has successfully intercepted a pistol hidden in a passenger’s baggage at Entebbe International Airport. This incident occurred on November 3, 2024, when a passenger arriving from Nairobi via Kenya Airways underwent a routine baggage scan.

John Bosco Twesigye, the URA Entebbe Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII) In-Charge, reported that the baggage was analyzed using advanced scanning technology, which revealed the presence of an Air Pistol (Blow P29) along with 50 rounds of ammunition. The passenger arrived at the airport around 8:07 PM, and upon further examination, it was determined that two of his bags contained the concealed weapon and ammunition.

The passenger was unable to provide any documentation justifying his possession of the firearm during the inspection. Following this discovery, he was handed over to the aviation police for further questioning and investigation.

Twesigye emphasized that firearms, ammunition, and military items are classified as restricted imports in Uganda. Individuals wishing to bring such items into the country are required to obtain prior clearance from the Uganda Police.

This interception follows a similar incident in July 2024, when the NII at Elegu border crossing discovered hidden ammunition on two individuals attempting to enter Uganda from South Sudan.

These events underscore the importance of URA’s NII technology, which utilizes advanced X-ray scanners to efficiently scan large volumes of cargo without necessitating physical inspections.

The NII equipment is also equipped with Radiation Portal Monitors, which are essential in enhancing Uganda’s defense against illicit radiation sources that may attempt to cross the country’s borders.

Table: Recent Security Incidents at Uganda Airports