Mbeya. As the campaign encouraging the voluntary surrender of illegally owned firearms ends today, Saturday, October 31, 2026, two Mbeya residents have handed over two firearms and 22 rounds of ammunition to police at the Central Police Station.
The move follows an order issued by Home Affairs Minister Patrobas Katambi on September 1, 2026, directing people possessing illegal firearms to surrender them within two months.
Speaking on Saturday, October 31, 2026, Mbeya Regional Police Commander Benjamin Kuzaga said the two individuals had voluntarily surrendered the weapons at the Central Police Station in Mbeya City.
“Today, October 31, 2026, is the final day of the campaign to surrender illegal weapons through local government offices, villages or ward executive officers. Two people came forward and surrendered two weapons of their own free will,” he said.
He said the owners had decided to surrender the firearms partly because of their advanced age, which had made it difficult for them to continue handling and operating the weapons.
He identified the firearms as a .22 Long Rifle containing three rounds of ammunition and a .38 Webley revolver containing 19 rounds.
Mr Kuzaga said the campaign was launched by Minister Katambi on September 1, 2026, adding that police would continue taking action against anyone found illegally possessing firearms without surrendering them.
He urged people still holding such weapons to hand them over through local government offices, village authorities or ward executive officers to avoid legal consequences.
Citizens’ opinions
Commenting on the campaign, a resident of Ilemi in Mbeya City, Sikitu Amos, urged the Police Force to establish a programme bringing firearm owners together for training on the safe handling and use of weapons to prevent them from becoming threats at entertainment venues.
She said such education would help curb the reckless use of firearms, particularly in crowded places.
Ms Amos also advised the Ministry of Home Affairs to introduce mental health assessments for firearm owners, particularly married couples, to help prevent avoidable killings.