As the world counts hours left to usher in 2026, police have warned its personnel and private fire arm owners against firing bullets as a way of welcoming the New Year. Assistant Commissioner of Police -ACP Kituuma Rusoke, the Police Spokesperson, said sometimes firearms owners get excited and fire in the air causing unnecessary panic among residents.
Rusoke said it is unacceptable to fire aimlessly and also puts the citizens at risk. Police said any firearm holder who will fire aimlessly out of New Year excitement will be later on held accountable.
“It is unacceptable to fire bullets without any warranting situation; we don’t even know if at the time of firing you are sober or not. In the process of firing bullets out of excitement, you risk the lives of other people,” ACP Rusoke said.
Police have also vowed to arrest and prosecute all members of the public who will be caught burning tyres on the roads as a way of ushering in 2026. ACP Rusoke said as police they will deploy and ensure sufficient patrolling is done to prevent any mishaps.
Police are yet to release the list of fireworks display venues. Also, the names of authorized fireworks blasters haven’t been released. ACP Rusoke said they are compiling names of cleared fireworks blasters and cleared venues.
Ugandans have been reminded that blasting will last for only five minutes and all venues that will go beyond the set time will not be considered next time they apply for the same purpose. All fireworks materials will be escorted by Counter-Terrorism police officers to the blasting venues.
The Inspector General of Police, Abas Byakagaba, has directed all Divisional Police Commanders to inspect all venues that have applied to display New Year’s Day fireworks.
“Do not imagine that you can blast your own fireworks; the blasting will last for only 5 minutes; venues going to blast fireworks must publicize in both electronic and print media; CT officers and territorial police should conduct inspection of all venues to confirm the suitability of fireworks display,” police summarised.
ASP Luke Owoyesigyire, the deputy Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson, said night patrols are continuously being carried out various parts of Kampala and its neighborhoods to ensure residents are protected from criminality.
Uganda police often clears display venues which ranging from 900 to1,200. There are known places that year in year out display fireworks on New Year’s Day eve. These include Nkuuka fete organized by Buganda kingdom, Sheraton and Serena, and born-again churches’ Passover night prayers.
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