By The Uganda Police has announced strict guidelines for individuals and organizations planning to display fireworks, emphasizing the need for safety and security.
According to the police spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma, all parties intending to display fireworks must obtain permission from the Inspector General of Police, and Once granted, the successful applicant will be required to advertise their permission in both print and electronic media.
While the festive season is a time for celebration, it also poses a heightened risk of fires in residential areas, public spaces, and during events like fireworks displays. To mitigate these risks the police have issued a set of guidelines to be followed by the public and events organisers.
The police have also emphasized that fireworks materials can only be purchased from licensed vendors, ensuring that the products meet safety standards.
To ensure public safety, the police spokesperson emphasizes that all fireworks materials will be escorted and secured by police, and the display must be conducted by a person with an explosives blaster license under police supervision. Additionally, fireworks displays will be limited to just 5 minutes from the time of the first blast.
Rusoke says The area Division Police Commander (DPC) will inspect and ascertain the suitability of the venue for the fireworks display. The DPC reserves the power to stop the display if the venue is found to violate guidelines.
These guidelines aim to prevent accidents and ensure public safety during fireworks displays. By following these regulations, individuals and organizations can help create a secure and enjoyable environment for all.
The police have urged the public to cooperate and follow the guidelines to ensure a safe and festive season.
FIREWORKS
UPF receives requests for permission to blast fireworks from hotels, entertainment centres, areas of worship among others to celebrate the entry into the new year.
Those who intend to apply for fireworks display should take note of the following:
All parties intending to display fireworks shall apply to the Inspector General of Police for permission.
If the permission is granted the successful applicant will be required to advertise his/her permission in both print and electronic media.
Fireworks materials shall only be purchased from licensed vendors.
Display of fireworks shall be limited to only 05 minutes from the time of the first blast.
All fireworks materials shall be escorted and secured by police
Fireworks shall be blasted by a person(s) with explosives’ blaster license and under the supervision of police.
Venues where fireworks will be displayed shall be inspected and their suitability ascertained by the area District/ Division Police Commander (DPC).
The area DPC will reserve the powers to stop the display of fireworks on venues he/she finds in violation of guidelines in his/her area of responsibility.
MUSIC SHOWS AND ENTERTAINMENT EVENTS
There are several entertainment and music events/shows that are organized by events’ organizers and musicians during the festive season. All music shows shall be regulated and will be required to adhere to the following guidelines;
Event organizers to seek clearance from the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to hold events.
Organizers of events shall be required to jointly plan for the security of their events with the district security, other regulatory authorities and stakeholders.
Host venues shall 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.
Other guidelines shall be issued by the area police commanders based on their appreciation of the venues and events.
PRAYER SESSIONS
The festive season will also be characterized by prayer sessions which will climax on the Christmas day and the eve of new year. These sessions will attract large congregations and run for longer sessions than usual e.g. running into the night (Overnight prayers)
Organizers of these sessions shall be required to co-plan with the district security committees to ensure that congregations are secure and safe.
INCREASED MOVEMENT OF PERSONS
During festive season, we anticipate an influx of persons to towns and cities and similarly expect to register increased volume of traffic to rural areas. There is also an expected spike in influx of tourists and an outflux of citizens going for holidays and tours abroad.
There is usually a spike in traffic both on road and water. Amidst that spike, we tend to register frequent cases of driving under the influence of alcohol, overloading of passengers and goods, reckless driving, inconsiderate use of the road and buses violating route charts,
In addition, Motorists are fond of drive carelessly a number of them talking on phones, texting, taking videos and snap shots while driving. These illegal tendencies are not only a danger to the perpetuators but to innocent victims such as pedestrians, passengers and other road users.
Motor cyclists often violate a number of regulations notably the requirement put on helmets.
On water bodies, there is a common tendency to overload boats, Ignoring the safety requirements such as having life jackets and to operate boats that are water worth.
