As the year draws to a close, police in Uganda have given the green light to at least 1970 venues across the country for the display of end-of-year fireworks. The Inspector General of Police, Martins Ochola, granted clearance through the Directorate of Operations Services (OPS).
A diverse range of venues, including churches, bars, clubs, restaurants, hotels, guest houses, and tourism sites, have been approved for fireworks displays. The clearance covers various regions, with each region having its own set of approved venues.
In Kampala South, stretching from Katwe police station to Entebbe policing division, 72 venues have been cleared for fireworks displays. This area encompasses major police stations such as Katwe, Nateete, Kajjansi, Kabalagala, Ggaba, Entebbe, Nsangi, and CPS Kampala.
Kampala North, which spans from Nansana Municipality to Kakiri town council, boasts 78 approved venues. This region includes Kawempe, Wandegeya, Old Kampala, Nansana, Matugga, Kasangati, Wakiso, and Kakiri. Meanwhile, Kampala East, covering Jinja Road, Kira Road, Kira Division, Naggalama, and Mukono, has 56 venues cleared for fireworks displays.
To ensure the safety and compliance of these venues, Ochola has instructed all regional, district, division, and officers in charge stations to conduct onsite visits. The inspections will verify adherence to guidelines, such as having enough space for the display, absence of inflammable substances and liquids like petrol and gas cylinders, proximity to congested residential areas, and the presence of at least 10 fire extinguishers, along with adequate entrance and exit routes.
Fred Enanga, the Police spokesperson, emphasized that police commanders hold the authority to cancel any fireworks display at a venue that does not meet the established guidelines. These measures aim to prevent a recurrence of the tragic stampede that occurred last year during the fireworks display at Freedom City in Namasuba along Entebbe road, resulting in 11 fatalities.
The incident led to the arrest of renowned events promoter Abby Musinguzi and events emcee Francis Jjuuko, although charges against them were later dismissed by the Makindye Chief Magistrate's court.
