Ugandans usually burn tyres when under grief or celebration
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Police have warned that anyone found shooting bullets into the air or burning tyres during New Year celebrations will be arrested and prosecuted, as security agencies move to curb lawlessness often disguised as festive excitement.
As Uganda prepares to usher in the New Year, the Uganda Police Force has issued strict guidelines aimed at safeguarding lives, protecting public infrastructure and maintaining public order throughout the night. Addressing the media on Monday, Police Spokesperson Assistant Commissioner of Police Kituuma Rusoke said officers across the country have been deployed to deal firmly with all forms of disorder, including celebratory gunfire and the burning of tyres on public roads.
Rusoke singled out tyre burning as a destructive practice that causes costly damage to newly constructed and rehabilitated roads. He noted that the intense heat from burning rubber weakens the tarmac surface, leading to premature deterioration and expensive repairs borne by taxpayers. “You cannot, at your own volition, destroy public infrastructure,” Rusoke warned, adding that such acts amount to vandalism and will attract stern action.
Police say the practice, common in some urban areas at the stroke of midnight, disrupts traffic, endangers motorists and pedestrians, and undermines ongoing efforts to preserve road infrastructure. In recent years, authorities have repeatedly complained about millions of shillings lost annually to repairs caused by avoidable vandalism during festive periods.
The police also cautioned licensed firearm holders against firing bullets into the air, describing the act as illegal and extremely dangerous. Rusoke said celebratory gunfire has, in past years, resulted in serious injuries and deaths after falling bullets struck unsuspecting members of the public. He further warned that alcohol consumption during festivities significantly increases the risk of fatal mistakes.
“We caution firearms holders who get excited by the New Year and shoot bullets in the air. That is not acceptable; it is illegal and a risk,” Rusoke said. “We don’t know how much alcohol one has taken. You could end up injuring innocent people. If we get such errant firearms holders, they will spend the festive hours in our coolers.”
Under the Firearms Act, misuse of a licensed gun is a criminal offence and may lead to revocation of the firearm licence, fines or imprisonment.
On fireworks, police reiterated that only authorised and licensed personnel are allowed to handle explosives. Fireworks displays must not exceed five minutes, a rule Rusoke said is often abused, leading to excessive noise pollution and public anxiety. Additionally, organisers are required to advertise their displays in advance through the media to alert surrounding communities.
District Police Commanders have been empowered to stop any fireworks event that fails to meet the set safety standards. Police urged the public to celebrate responsibly, observe the law and report suspicious or dangerous activities as the country welcomes the New Year.
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