Police have cleared at least 1970 venues to display end-of-year fireworks across the country.

The display venues including churches, bars, clubs, restaurants, hotels, guest houses, and tourism sites were cleared by the Inspector General of Police, Martins Ochola through the Directorate of Operations Services (OPS).

Kampala South, which starts from Katwe police station up to Entebbe policing division has 72 venues cleared to display the fireworks. This region covers major police stations that include Katwe, Nateete, Kajjansi, Kabalagala, Ggaba, Entebbe, Nsangi, and CPS Kampala.

Kampala North, which covers Nansana Municipality up to Kakiri town council has 78 approved venues. This region includes Kawempe, Wandegeya, Old Kampala, Nansana, Matugga, Kasangati, Wakiso and Kakiri. Kampala East which covers Jinja Road, Kira Road, Kira Division, Naggalama, and Mukono has 56 venues cleared to display fireworks. 

Ochola further instructed all regional, district, division, and officers in charge stations to conduct onsite visits to the approved venues to ensure they comply with the guidelines including, enough space to display fireworks, and no inflammable substances and liquids such as petrol and gas cylinders nearby.

The venues should also be away from congested residential areas, have at least 10 fire extinguishers, and adequate entrance and exit routes. Police spokesperson Fred Enanga said police commanders have been given powers to cancel any fireworks display at any venue that does not meet the set guidelines.

Enanga said the guidelines are intended to avoid a recap of what transpired at Freedom City at Namasuba along Entebbe road where 11 people died during the end of last year’s fireworks display stampede. The Freedom City tragedy left renowned events promoter Abby Musinguzi, the proprietor of Abitex Promotions, and events emcee Francis Jjuuko behind police bars.

However, the Makindye Chief Magistrate’s court dismissed the charges against the duo.