The Uganda Police Force has revealed that it has permitted a total of 1,907 venues to display fireworks countrywide during the ushering in of the New Year 2024.
In a statement released by police on December 27, 2023, SCP Fred Enanga, the police spokesperson, stated that police, together with the territorial commanders, have also vetted companies that are contracted to supply fireworks.
“I’ve been urged to closely monitor the venues and ensure that fireworks are displayed at only venues that have been given permission,” Enanga stated.
He said that only contractors licenced under the Explosives Act shall display these fireworks following standard fireworks displays. They include Tomil Fireworks Limited, Quality Lighting Uganda, Fesco Limited, Extreme Events Services Limited, Sky Flames Uganda Limited, Goshen Africa Limited, Light Africa Uganda Limited, and Fireworks 7000. These have been thoroughly vetted, profiled, and cleared to carry out fireworks.
According to Enanga, all territorial commanders have been tasked with watching out for organisers who set off fireworks outside the permitted times. He continues to state that this can be dangerous to the public.
He further emphasised that the police have been tasked with monitoring those events and creating task teams that will prevent disruptions caused by forbidden fireworks.
“Through close coordination with the contractors, we shall review and approve the location of the proposed fireworks and discharge sites and provide supervision and guidance. The fireworks display contractor shall be required to conduct an on-site safety assessment and shall supply at least 10 fire extinguishers properly tagged and functioning,” Enanga stated.
The largest fireworks displays will be in Kampala Metropolitan East on Jinja Road, with a total of 298, followed by Kampala Metropolitan North with 290, and Kampala Metropolitan South with 280 fireworks displays. The lowest regions with fireworks will be Mount Moroto with only 5 fireworks displays, Bukedi North with six, and Rwenzori East with 11.