The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Camillus Wambura, has urged all Tanzanians to actively participate in controlling and managing firearms to protect the nation, in line with the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania.
IGP Wambura made the call on February 3, 2026, in Dar es Salaam during the launch of the Firearms Control and Management Committee and the opening of its first three-day session.
The forum is designed to equip committee members with knowledge on their responsibilities, national laws and regulations, and regional and international protocols governing firearms management.
He noted that illegal firearms proliferation in the past was largely linked to conflicts in neighboring countries, porous borders, and violations of the law.
“The problem was especially severe in the early 2000s due to unrest in some neighboring countries. But with strengthened firearms management strategies, this challenge has significantly reduced, thanks to the continuous efforts of security agencies,” IGP Wambura said.
He concluded his speech with patriotic remarks, declaring: “I pledge to continue defending my country, Tanzania, with courage and to safeguard the lives and property of all Tanzanians.”
The Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Ramadhan Kingai, said that firearms control in the country continues to improve through established security systems.
DCI Kingai also cautioned private security companies against misusing firearms in their operations without following legal procedures, describing such acts as criminal offenses. Authorities have been taking steps to eliminate this practice.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Bethanema Mlay, Commissioner for Firearms Control, explained that under the Firearms and Ammunition Control Act of 2015, the committee was appointed by the Minister of Home Affairs and includes members from both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.
She emphasized that the committee plays a key role in firearms control in the country, with responsibilities including identifying threats, preventing illegal activities, and recommending solutions to combat illegal firearms proliferation.
