Illegal gun holders face amnesty deadline

DODOMA: THE Police Force has warned people holding illegal firearms to surrender them within the remaining 11 days of a national voluntary surrender campaign, saying nationwide arrests and prosecutions will begin on November 1.

A total of 230 firearms had been surrendered by October 19 since the campaign began on September 1, according to a statement issued by the force yesterday.

The surrendered weapons include five AK-47 rifles, 15 rifles, 50 shotguns, two MK IV firearms, eight pistols and 150 locally made guns.

“From the launch of the campaign on September 1, 2026, to October 19, 2026, a total of 230 firearms have been surrendered,” the statement reads.

The two-month amnesty was launched in Dodoma on August 31 by the Minister for Home Affairs, Mr Patrobas Katambi, following Government Notice No 251 of August 28, 2026.

The notice allows people possessing firearms illegally to surrender them between September 1 and October 31 without facing prosecution, interrogation or questioning over their unlawful possession during the amnesty period.

“Only 11 days remain until October 31, 2026, the final day of the voluntary surrender amnesty for illegal firearms,” the statement reads.

The force urged those still holding illegal weapons to use the remaining time to surrender them, warning that anyone found in unlawful possession after the deadline would face arrest and prosecution.

Firearms can be surrendered daily between 8am and 4pm at police stations, local government or village offices, and ward or Shehia executive offices.

The amnesty covers unlicensed and unregistered pistols, shotguns, rifles, locally made guns and military weapons.

The Police Force also urged legal firearm owners whose advanced age, health conditions or other circumstances affect their ability to handle and secure their weapons properly to surrender them to prevent access by unauthorised people.

The force said the measure was intended to prevent firearms from falling into the wrong hands and causing harm to family members and the wider community.

It warned that, under Section 62 of the Firearms and Ammunition Control Act, Chapter 223, Revised Edition of 2023, anyone convicted of unlawful firearm possession faces 10 years in prison, a fine of 15m/- or both.

The statement noted that similar amnesty campaigns were conducted in 2023, 2024 and 2025, but some people continued to hold illegal firearms and were subsequently arrested and prosecuted.

Between November 2023 and August 2024, authorities recorded 165 cases of unlawful firearm possession involving 176 suspects, comprising 167 men and nine women.

Those convicted received 10-year prison sentences. Between November 2024 and August 2025, 158 cases involving 161 suspects were recorded.

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The suspects comprised 151 men and 10 women, with those convicted also receiving 10-year sentences.

From November 2025 to August 2026, the force recorded 183 cases involving 172 suspects, including 169 men and three women.

Those convicted were each sentenced to 10 years in prison. The force urged people holding illegal firearms to surrender them before the deadline to avoid imprisonment that could disrupt their livelihoods and those of their families.

It also reminded licensed firearm owners to visit their respective district police stations for verification, bringing their firearms, licences and one passport-size photograph, as previously announced.