Uganda Champions Peace as Host of Africa Amnesty Month 2025
The Africa Amnesty Month initiative, established by the African Union (AU) in 2017 and extended through 2030, seeks to encourage civilians across the continent to voluntarily surrender illicit small arms and light weapons without fear of prosecution. The program forms a cornerstone of the AU’s flagship agenda of “Silencing the Guns”, aimed at ending armed conflict and promoting sustainable peace in Africa.
KAMPALA – Uganda will play host to the 9th Africa Amnesty Month (AAM) Commemoration, slated for October 2–3, 2025, at the Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala. The announcement was officially made by Mr. Mundeyi Simon, Public Relations Officer at the Ministry of Internal Affairs, during a press briefing at the Uganda Media Centre on Monday, September 22, 2025.
The Africa Amnesty Month initiative, established by the African Union (AU) in 2017 and extended through 2030, seeks to encourage civilians across the continent to voluntarily surrender illicit small arms and light weapons without fear of prosecution. The program forms a cornerstone of the AU’s flagship agenda of “Silencing the Guns”, aimed at ending armed conflict and promoting sustainable peace in Africa.
According to Mundeyi, Uganda’s decision to host this continental commemoration reflects the country’s strong commitment to peace and security, both domestically and regionally.
“This significant event underscores Uganda’s unwavering dedication to addressing the proliferation of illicit firearms and creating safer communities. It is a proud moment for our nation to contribute meaningfully to the AU’s vision of a gun-free Africa,” he noted.
The two-day commemoration will bring together high-level representatives from the African Union Peace and Security Council, the East African Community, the United Nations, civil society organizations, youth and women groups, the media, and other stakeholders. Discussions will focus on practical strategies for reducing the circulation of illegal arms, enhancing regional cooperation, and strengthening national frameworks for arms control.
One of the highlights of the commemoration will be a symbolic destruction of collected illicit weapons in Jinja. This gesture, Mundeyi explained, will demonstrate Uganda’s resolve to eliminate tools of violence from its communities. Uganda will also showcase its ongoing efforts in disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration programs, alongside nationwide sensitization campaigns designed to raise public awareness about the dangers of illegal firearms.
“We call upon all Ugandans to support this noble initiative by encouraging the voluntary surrender of illicit weapons and engaging in nationwide sensitization efforts. Together, we can silence the guns, build safer communities, and create a peaceful and prosperous Africa,” Mundeyi appealed.
Delegates of the Peace and Security Council are expected to arrive in Uganda on October 1 and conclude their activities on October 4, 2025. The Ministry of Internal Affairs has extended an open invitation to media houses across the country to cover the event and amplify the message of peace.
The Africa Amnesty Month has previously been commemorated in several African states, with Uganda’s hosting marking another milestone in continental cooperation to curb the illicit proliferation of arms.
With Kampala now preparing to host leaders, partners, and advocates for peace, the spotlight is firmly on Uganda’s role in shaping a safer future, both at home and across the continent.
