Agency
The Inspector General of Police (IGP) has cleared 2,900 venues to display fireworks as Ugandans usher in the New Year.
However, the venues cleared by Director Operations Service AIGP Frank Mwesigwa on behalf of the IGP, are warned against displaying fireworks which have not been distributed by the eight licensed blasters.
The cleared and licensed blasters to display fireworks include Tomil Fireworks Ltd, Quality Lighting (U) Ltd, Fireworks 7000 Ltd, Light Africa Ltd, Goshen Africa Ltd, Extremes Events Services Ltd, Sky Frames (U) Ltd and FESCO Ltd.
IGP’s office said it received several requests for permission to blast fireworks from hotels, entertainment centres, and areas of worship among others to celebrate the entry into the New Year but has only approved 2,900 applications countrywide.
Police demand that venues going to display fireworks must advertise so that the public is aware and prepared early enough for the blasts.
The 2022 end-of-year fireworks displays at Freedom City caused a stampede which left 11 people dead including seven children.
This incident led to the arrest of events promoter Abby Musinguzi but the charges were later dropped.
To avoid the reoccurrence of the 2022 incident, the IGP has directed that officials from Counter Terrorism Police and area DPCs must carry out a prior inspection of the venue to ascertain suitability for the fireworks display.
