NYAGATARE- The Ministry of Internal Security, in collaboration with the East African Community (EAC) Secretariat, have trained district officials in Nyagatare, on the new law that guides the use and possession of small arms.

Those trained included officials from security services, National Youth Council, National Women’s Council and the Mayor.

During the training, that took place in Nyagatare Sector, ACP Vianney Nshimiyimana, the Director of Financial Investigation Unit in the National Police, said that the new law, which was passed in December 2009, prescribes the legal framework on the possession and use of small arms in the country.

According to Nshimiyimana, the new law stipulates that only the Inspector General of Police can issue a license on the use and possession of small arms.

He noted that the law states that only persons of integrity, who are mentally stable and above 21 years, can own small arms.

Nshimiyimana called upon participants to mobilise residents, who still illegally own small arms to surrender them to security organs.

Emmanuel Karara Misago, the national coordinator for Small Arms and Light Weapons, said that small arms proliferation was a regional concern.
 
"We share this issue with rest of the region…that’s why this training involves the EAC Secretariat,” he said.  

Johnson Kabayiza, the head of the Reserve Forces in Musheri Sector, who was among the participants, said that the training was vital. He pledged to mobilise residents in his sector on the new law. 

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