RUKIGA, UGANDA – A Ugandan man arrested with a fake pistol faces potential terrorism charges for allegedly intimidating the public, an offense defined under Section 7(2) of the Anti-Terrorism Act.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Douglas Natukunda, 27, a resident of Nyangorogoro village, Kitojo parish, Rwamucucu sub-county in Rukiga district, was caught red-handed with the toy pistol concealed in his waist on Saturday, September 27, 2025.
The arrest followed an intelligence-led tip-off.Possession of a fake pistol can lead to charges under Uganda’s Anti-Terrorism Act, disturbing the peace, or making false threats, depending on the circumstances.
The suspect, now in police custody, was apprehended in Kyerero village, Kandago parish, Bukinda Sub-county, by a team led by the Rukiga District Police Commander (DPC), SP Moses Karakire Musinguzi.
DPC Musinguzi told this reporter that during a recent community policing meeting in Muhanga Town Council, several residents raised complaints about an individual moving through the area armed with a pistol.
He confirmed that the arrest was taken seriously due to a number of threatening incidents following the recent killings of some individuals in the area. He commended the community members for their continued cooperation.
“The security operation was launched after several complaints from the community at a recent policing meeting. We very much commend this cooperation and ask all members of the public to continue being vigilant in the prevention and fight against crime,” stated DPC Musinguzi.
Upon interrogation, the suspect, Douglas Natukunda, confirmed that he is a radio presenter at a local station in Rukiga district. The radio station in question has yet to release an official statement regarding its employee.
Meanwhile, the Kigezi region Police spokesperson, ASP Elly Maate, confirmed the incident, saying that the police have launched inquiries to establish the clear motive for why he was armed.