Police store New Year fireworks crackers over terrorist threats

Police have said all fireworks to be displayed today in celebration to welcome the New year should be kept in its custody as a contingency measure against terror attacks.

Speaking to the Daily Monitor at the weekend, Mr Ibin Senkumbi, the Kampala Metropolitan police spokesperson, said terrorists could use a loophole in the security systems at the places of display and harm people.

“We will have to escort whoever is going to buy fireworks and we will keep the crackers at the nearest police station. They will pick them when it is time for display and after that we will keep the balance,” Mr Senkumbi said.

This will be the first time police are issuing such a directive, and it comes against a backdrop of numerous terror threats that have rocked the country throughout the year.

Mr Senkumbi said the Force has put in place a team to enforce the policy and whoever will not abide by the directive will not be allowed to display fireworks and if they do, they will be arrested. The display will strictly take five minutes.

Mr Vincent Ssekate, the deputy police spokesperson, said citizens should ensure that there is enough security in areas they are to celebrate from.

“Such events should have enough walk-through metal detectors and event mangers should ensure that sniffer dogs inspect the areas before gates are open,” Mr Ssekate said.

Up country
Kasese District police commander Michael Sabila Musani asked the public to be security conscious when celebrating the New Year.
“Cases like murder, rape, defilement, theft, child sacrifice and breaking into houses are most likely to increase. Our people have a tendency of ignoring other things when it comes to celebrations like the New Year,” he said.

Police in Rwenzori region have warned residents againts burning tyres during the celebrations.

Meanwhile Christians from the born again faith will throng Namboole Stadium tonight in a nightfall filled with prayers, praise and thanksgiving to end 2012 and usher in the New Year.

Briefing the media about preparations for the over-night prayers at the weekend, Dr Joseph Sserwadda, the chairperson of the born again faith, said Uganda is a sinning nation which is under attack from the devil, a scenario that emphasises the need for prayer.

“Our focus is going to be renewal and re-birth because Uganda needs to be born again,” Dr Sserwadda said.

Compiled ByAbdu Kiyaga, Solomon Arinaitwe, Enid Ninsiima, Geoffrey Mutegeki & Thembo Kahungu