About 2,900 venues have been cleared by police for fireworks display during celebrations to usher in the new year.
The 2,900 is an increase from the 2,000 cleared previously to usher in the year 2024.
Police spokesperson, Kituuma Rusoke said the 2,900 will have to adhere to strict guidelines set and failure will attract severe punishments.
The guidelines
Rusoke said some of the guidelines to be followed including advertising the fireworks display in both electronic and print media, especially local FM radio stations and newspapers before the display.
“Advertisement in the newspapers must be on pages 1, 2, 3 and or 4 only and must be conspicuous and large enough. Fireworks materials to be displayed must not be more than 1.5mm Caliber,” Rusoke said.
He noted that the fireworks display shall last only five minutes from the time of the first blast while Counter Terrorism (CT) police personnel will escort the fireworks materials and supervise the display together with the area District Police Commanders (DPCs) to ensure security for the fireworks and appropriate measures to protect the public from any possible dangers that may arise during the display
“Any fireworks materials not displayed must be handled by a person with explosives blaster license (Fireworks license). Officials from Counter Terrorism Police and area DPCs must carry out prior inspection of the venue to ascertain suitability for fireworks display and.”
Police said area DPCs reserve the power to stop the display of fireworks if not satisfied with adherence to these guidelines.
“Failure to comply will lead to immediate termination, before or during the display including any other actions that may be deemed necessary.”
Music shows
Police said there are also guidelines to be followed by organisers of music shows including not allowing any event continue without the approval of the Inspector General of Police and joint planning for security of the events with the district security, other regulatory authorities and stakeholders.
“Host venues must meet safety requirements set by police and other regulatory authorities such as having emergency exits, assembly points, emergency firefighting equipment. Venues shall not host numbers beyond their capacity. Overcrowding of venues is prohibited. Flammable materials to public gatherings are discouraged,”Rusoke said.