Ugandan security catches South Sudanese traveler with loaded gun at border

Security Scanners in Uganda Intercept Loaded Pistol from South Sudanese National

Security personnel in Uganda recently intercepted a loaded pistol belonging to a South Sudanese national entering Uganda through the Elegu One Stop Border Post (OSBP). The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) reported that the pistol, along with five rounds of ammunition, was found concealed in the passenger’s hand luggage. This incident comes just two weeks after a female passenger from South Sudan was also caught attempting to smuggle a pistol into Uganda.

URA credited the interception to the use of high-tech baggage scanners deployed at the border post. These scanners utilize Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII) technology, which allows for the inspection of cargo without physically opening it. Images from the scanners are transmitted in real-time to a central monitoring center in Kampala, enabling swift identification of concealed threats like firearms and illicit substances.

The effectiveness of the NII technology was highlighted by URA, citing over UGX 218 billion recovered in the past year through interventions using the equipment. The case has been handed over to the UPDF’s Defense Intelligence and Security for further action.