Police have said they have cleared only 762 venues from where fireworks will be displayed all over the country as the world ushers in the New Year in style.
Addressing journalists on Friday, Police spokesperson Emilian Kayima said there are strict guidelines issued to be followed by organisers before fireworks is fired at the cleared venues.
“They are mandated to advertise widely in all media platforms whereas the display should be for only five minutes,”Kayima said.
“Failure to adhere to the guidelines will attract severe penalties which might include stopping them from the exercise.
According to police, all fireworks materials will be escorted by Counter Terrorism officers and these will be handed the materials that have not been used during displays.
Police said only five companies including Tomil Fireworks Limited, Sky Flames Uganda Limited, Quality Lighting Limited, Extremes Events Limited, Goshen Africa Events Limited and Light Africa have been cleared to import and distribute fireworks materials all over the country.
“The area District Police Commanders reserve the right to stop any display if those displaying defy guidelines whereas those to conduct the display exercise must be persons with explosive blaster licences,”Kayima said.
“All venues to host displays will be inspected to ensure sustainability by the counter terrorism teams together with area police commanders.”
Police also warned the public against burning tyres in the middle of roads of elsewhere as those involved in such would be arrested.
The public has also been warned to be alert as they celebrate ending the year and ushering in a new one as criminals might take advantage to terrorise them.
“Some criminal elements might attack and injure or kill their victims whose alarms might be mistaken for the excitement of welcoming the new year. Members of the public must be alert and vigilant to detect and deter any form of criminality that might come with the new year celebrations,”Kayima said.
He also warned motorists around the country against indiscipline as they celebrate the new year.
