As the countdown to 2026 enters its final hours, Uganda Police have issued a strong warning to both security personnel and licensed private firearm holders against celebratory gunfire during New Year festivities.

The Police Spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Kituuma Rusoke, cautioned that firing bullets into the air out of excitement poses serious risks to public safety and causes unnecessary panic among residents.

“It is unacceptable to fire bullets without any warranting situation; we don’t even know if at the time of firing you are sober or not. In the process of firing bullets out of excitement, you risk the lives of other people,” ACP Rusoke said.

Police emphasized that any individual found discharging a firearm without lawful justification will be traced and held accountable, regardless of whether the act was intended as celebration.

According to ACP Rusoke, aimless gunfire is not only reckless but also criminal, as falling bullets can injure or kill unsuspecting members of the public.

In addition to gunfire, police have also banned the burning of tyres on roads, a practice sometimes used by revelers to usher in the New Year. Law enforcement officers have vowed to arrest and prosecute anyone found engaging in such acts, which pose environmental and traffic hazards.

ACP Rusoke noted that police deployments and intensified patrols will be carried out nationwide to prevent accidents and maintain law and order throughout the celebrations.

Meanwhile, police are still finalizing and verifying the list of approved fireworks display venues and licensed fireworks blasters. Authorities revealed that only cleared individuals and locations will be allowed to conduct fireworks displays.

Ugandans have been reminded that fireworks displays will strictly last five minutes, and any venue that exceeds the approved duration risks being denied permission for future events. All fireworks materials will be escorted to display sites by Counter-Terrorism (CT) officers to ensure public safety.

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Abas Byakagaba, has instructed all Divisional Police Commanders to thoroughly inspect venues that have applied to host New Year fireworks.

“Do not imagine that you can blast your own fireworks; the blasting will last for only 5 minutes; venues going to blast fireworks must publicize in both electronic and print media; CT officers and territorial police should conduct inspection of all venues to confirm the suitability of fireworks display,” police summarised.

In Kampala and surrounding metropolitan areas, security has already been heightened. The Deputy Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson, ASP Luke Owoyesigyire, confirmed that night patrols are ongoing to deter criminal activity and ensure residents’ safety during the festive period.

Uganda Police typically clear between 900 and 1,200 fireworks display venues each year. Popular and regularly approved locations include the Nkuuka Fete organized by the Buganda Kingdom, major hotels such as Sheraton and Serena, as well as several born-again churches that hold overnight Passover prayers on New Year’s Eve.

Police continue to urge the public to celebrate responsibly and cooperate with security agencies to ensure a peaceful and safe transition into 2026.