Armed and Educated: A Policy Case for Civilian Firearms Reform in Uganda

Abstract

This interdisciplinary policy study makes the case for graduated civilian firearms reform in Uganda. It argues that a well-educated and well-armed population is safer and more prosperous than one that remains largely disarmed under a restrictive licensing regime. Combining libertarian political economy, Ugandan crime and demographic data, comparative evidence, and practical institutional design, the paper proposes structured firearms training from age 15, restricted licensing from 20, and ordinary ownership from 25 for citizens with clean records. The approach is deliberately win-win: citizens gain effective self-defense while the government benefits from lower pressure on police resources, higher economic activity, and a broader tax base.