Kampala: An African Union (AU) meeting on the voluntary surrender of illicit arms opened in Kampala, the Ugandan capital, as experts and government officials convene to address the proliferation of small and light weapons across the continent.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the two-day forum marks the ninth Africa Amnesty Month and is held under the theme "Safer Communities through Voluntary Disarmament." The event aims to promote peace and security throughout Africa.

Ugandan First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga, who officiated at the launch, emphasized the need for AU members to enhance cooperation in enforcing national laws and international agreements to support the continental bloc's goal of "Silencing the Guns" by 2030. Kadaga highlighted the importance of fostering safer communities as part of the commitment to achieving peace and stability across the continent.

Organized under the AU Peace and Security Council, the meeting gathers representatives from the AU, the East African Community, the United Nations, civil society, youth, women's groups, the media, and other stakeholders. The goal is to advance the continental agenda of ending armed violence.

The AU declared September as Africa Amnesty Month in 2017, encouraging civilians to voluntarily surrender illegal firearms without facing prosecution. This initiative has been extended to 2030, reflecting ongoing efforts to combat armed violence. As part of this year's events, a symbolic destruction of collected illicit and obsolete firearms will take place in the eastern Ugandan city of Jinja on Friday.