The ongoing heated Debate is growing over whether Kenya should arm its security guards in the wake of the terrorist attack at 14 Riverside Drive.
But across the border, Uganda has had armed private guards since the 1980’s and some believe that the initiative has limited the number of terror attacks in the country.
Uganda is home to at least 202 security companies most of which have head offices in Kampala and 50% of them are licensed to provide armed guards, according to Uganda’s police spokesperson Fred Enanga.
“The private security organizations have a history that dates back to the 1980’s and over the years we have continually used them,” says Mr. Enanga.
Arming guards would likely get lots of popular support, but the reality of security from its ability to evolve and its transnational nature means the move is just a short-term measure. We must look at terrorism or specifically insecurity, more broadly. It needs a multifaceted and multi-agency solution. It is more than guns.
The way we are brought up, the institutions we go through from schools to religions and our peers coupled with the state of economy all play a role in shaping our views on violence, terror and extremism. We may need to examine all of these institutions before we dole out guns.