Firearms Competency Course
Firearms Competency & Weapons Safety Training
Firearms competency and weapons-safety training for Uganda’s security sector, delivered by Britannia Elite with Nile Protective Training Ltd. Three routes. One safety standard. Every learner assessed on the range.
Training, not legal authority
Britannia Elite is not a weapons licenser. In Uganda, firearms licences are issued only by the Uganda Police Force, through their own process. We certify competency and safety — not the legal right to possess, carry or operate a firearm.
Built around safety and standards
The programme trains people to handle firearms safely and to a recognised standard. Three routes: a foundational route for civilians and beginners, an operator route for serving personnel already in armed roles, and a standalone sidearm-only course. All are built on safety, discipline and lawful conduct. All end in assessed competency.
The main weapon system
Training is delivered on the main weapon system — generally the AK47 (7.62mm) — which sets the benchmark for safe handling and assessed competency. The full instructional content is taught in person, under supervision, on the range and in the classroom; it is not published here.
Other firearms are taught by prior arrangement only. A different platform must be agreed and notified before the course, so the correct weapon, range package and instructor can be arranged. It cannot be added once a course has begun.
Calibre ceiling. 7.62mm is the upper limit. No firearm of a higher calibre than 7.62mm is taught on this programme. A 9mm sidearm / secondary weapon sits below this ceiling and is available on the operator route or as a standalone sidearm-only course.
One standard of safety
Weapons Competency
For civilians and beginners who need recognised competency with no tactical element. Taught from scratch: weapon familiarisation, safe handling, make-safe, stoppages, range safety and discipline, supervised live competency, and the law on storage and transport.
| For | Civilians & beginners |
|---|---|
| Main weapon | AK47 · 7.62mm |
| Weapons training | 6 days |
| Live ranges | 4 days |
| Total | 10 days |
| Outcome | Competency certificate |
Weapons Safety & Standards
For serving personnel who already hold core weapon-handling competence. Main weapon and sidearm to operator standard: discipline, safe handling and movement, working safely around others, and the legal framework. Conduct, safety and law — not deployment tactics.
| For | Serving security personnel |
|---|---|
| Main weapon | AK47 · 7.62mm — 5 days |
| Sidearm | Sidearm / secondary — 3 days |
| Live ranges | 4 days |
| Total | 12 days |
| Outcome | Competency certificate |
Sidearm Competency
A standalone course for those who need pistol competency on its own. Safe handling, make-safe, stoppages, range safety and discipline, and supervised live competency on the 9mm sidearm / secondary weapon.
| For | Pistol competency only |
|---|---|
| Weapon | 9mm sidearm / secondary |
| Sidearm training | 3 days |
| Live ranges | 2 days |
| Total | 5 days |
| Outcome | Competency certificate |
Assembly, induction, then training
All routes are fully residential and all-inclusive. Students assemble on the afternoon before the course and complete site induction that same afternoon. Training begins the following morning and runs for the days shown for each route. Accommodation and three meals a day are provided throughout.
Assembly & Induction
Assemble the afternoon before. Site induction the same afternoon, on arrival.
Training Start
Training begins the following morning and runs the full days shown for the route.
Accommodation & Meals
On-site residential accommodation and three meals a day, every day, for the full duration.
Overseas students. A valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry to Uganda. Confirm entry and visa requirements on our visa requirements page before booking.
What every learner is held to
The same safety and competency standards apply on every route, taught and assessed under strict range regulation.
- Weapon safety framework and legal responsibilities
- Weapon function, inspection and safe handling
- Loading, unloading and make-safe / chamber checks
- Range discipline and safety management
- Stoppage recognition and safe response
- Weapon care, cleaning and accountability
- Storage, transport and the law
- Assessed competency under supervision
UK doctrine, governed in Uganda
Built on UK firearms doctrine. Taught by ex-police and ex-military instructors. Governed in Uganda by the Uganda Police Force.
UK Doctrine
Aligned with UK firearms-authority and armed-police doctrine, and taught from the official publications that set the standard for safe, disciplined handling.
Ex-Police & Ex-Military
Delivered by ex-UK-police firearms officers and ex-military instructors who held these standards in service.
Uganda Police Governance
Governed by the Uganda Police Force — the regulatory authority and final certifier for armed-guard competency and range approvals.
The training aligns with UK Home Office firearms regulations, UK Police firearms licensing requirements and NSRA civilian range-safety standards. In Uganda, firearms licensing is handled by the Uganda Police Force through their own process.
What you receive
The programme is CPD-certified and mapped to Uganda’s TVET framework. On completion, Britannia Elite and Nile Protective Training Ltd jointly issue a competency certificate confirming the training completed and the competency assessed.
This certificate confirms completed competency training. It is not an Ofqual, SIA or BTEC qualification, and it is not a firearms licence.
Licensing clarification
We do not issue licences
Britannia Elite is not an authorised weapons licenser. We do not issue, approve or influence any legal permission to possess, carry, store, transport or operate firearms.
All licensing, permits and legal authority must be obtained directly through your regional firearms authority — in Uganda, the Uganda Police Force — in accordance with local law.
Enquire about firearms competency training
Talk to the team about routes, intakes, eligibility and group bookings.
Continue Your Journey With Us
If you’re ready to take the next step, explore our programmes, or speak with our team, simply use the buttons below. Whether you’re an individual learner or an organisation seeking accredited, UK‑aligned training, we’re here to guide you through every stage of the process.