Tanzania announces a crackdown on illegally owned firearms

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner, Albert Chalamila has instructed people who own firearms legally to report to the relevant authorities before August 30, 2026, to verify their ownership and pay the required licence fees in accordance with the law.

Speaking to journalists in Dar es Salaam today, Chalamila said the move is part of efforts to ensure that firearms legally owned by members of the public are properly registered and that their owners hold valid licences.

He said individuals who, for various reasons, including forgetfulness or lack of awareness, have not paid the required licence fees for firearms in their possession should promptly report to the relevant authorities to begin the process of paying the fees and verifying ownership before the commencement of a special operation.

“Everyone who legally owns a firearm but, unfortunately, has not paid the required licence fees in accordance with established procedures and the law should report to the relevant authorities as soon as possible so that they can pay the fees and ensure that ownership of their firearms is properly recognised under the law,” Chalamila said.

The Regional Commissioner also urged people whose relatives have died while legally owning licensed firearms to contact the Tanzania Police Force or the nearest police station for guidance on the safe and lawful custody of the firearms while inheritance procedures are underway.

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He said it would be unlawful for an heir to take possession of or use a deceased person’s firearm without following the required legal procedures. He therefore urged those concerned to contact the authorities early and obtain the necessary guidance.

In a separate development, Chalamila called on people who illegally possess firearms to voluntarily surrender them to the relevant authorities rather than wait to be located by law enforcement agencies.

He cited the example of a person who may have obtained a firearm unlawfully, including by finding one or taking a bag during a theft without knowing what was inside, and later discovering that the bag contained a firearm.

He said individuals in such circumstances should voluntarily hand over the firearms to the relevant authorities and follow the prescribed procedures, stressing that unlawful possession of a firearm is an offence that may result in serious legal consequences.

Chalamila urged members of the public to take action early and ensure that all firearms in their possession are legally registered and properly licensed. He stressed that the authorities are continuing to strengthen controls over firearm ownership as part of efforts to safeguard public security.