KAMPALA- The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Abas Byakagaba has approved a total of 2,900 venues across Uganda to host fireworks displays as the country ushers in the year 2025.
The police have also licensed only 8 companies to sell the necessary fireworks materials to ensure safety and security during the celebrations. These approved companies include Tomil Fireworks Ltd, Quality Lighting Uganda Ltd, Fireworks 7000 Ltd, Light Africa Ltd, Goshen Africa Ltd, Extremes Events Ltd, Sky Flames Uganda Services Ltd, and Fesco Ltd.
While addressing the media at the Police Headquarters in Naguru today, ACP Rusoke Kituuma, who conveyed the IGP message, emphasized the importance of safety measures and public awareness in the lead-up to the celebrations.
IGP ordered all venue owners planning to host fireworks displays to advertise the event in both print and electronic media, with specific instructions to place advertisements prominently on pages 1 to 4 of major newspapers, using large fonts to ensure maximum visibility.
Kituuma reminded venue owners to collaborate closely with licensed fireworks blasters, District Police Commanders (DPCs), and Counter Terrorism Police, who will be responsible for escorting the blasters to their designated sites. He also emphasized the need for compliance with the regulation limiting the fireworks display to no more than five minutes, a rule that has reportedly been violated in previous years.
Kituuma also urged church leaders, concert organizers, and public event planners to work in partnership with security committees to properly manage the accommodation of attendees during New Year’s Eve festivities.
The IGP also issued a stern warning to concert organizers and musicians who falsely advertise the participation of local artists, only for them not to appear at events. He made it clear that such deceptive practices would be treated as criminal offenses and urged event planners to desist from such activities.
