Controlling small arms and light weapons in Kenya and Uganda

Progress so far

This working paper is written against a background of continued formation of national coordination mechanisms for the control of small arms and light weapons globally and the persistent question as to whether existing and emerging structures are living up to expectations.

It assesses the achievements and challenges faced by two such structures, namely the National Focal Points for SALW (NFPs) control in Kenya and Uganda, while also examining the record of a supporting regional body, the Regional Centre on Small Arms (RECSA).

Preliminary conclusions and recommendations are drawn at the end of the paper targeting RECSA, the two governments and also external actors like donors and civil society. A combination of desk research and selected interviews with NFP staff and external stakeholders informed the research.