Written By | Our Reporter
The end-of-year festivities are often marked by excitement, merry-making, and jubilation, climaxing the festive season
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Kigezi
As the New Year approaches, the Uganda Police Force has urged residents of the Kigezi Region to celebrate responsibly to ensure safety and a peaceful transition into the new year. The end-of-year festivities are often marked by excitement, merry-making, and jubilation, climaxing the festive season. However, police say celebrations must be conducted in a manner that safeguards life, property, and public order.
According to the Kigezi Region Police Spokesperson, Elly Maate, the police have put in place adequate security deployments across the region to maintain law and order. "As police, it is our responsibility to protect life and property. We therefore call upon members of the public to celebrate consciously and responsibly so that the festive season ends peacefully," Maate said.
Maate cautioned the public against several risky practices commonly associated with New Year celebrations. He advised event organizers and religious groups holding overnight prayers to ensure proper security arrangements are in place, while those attending such events should travel early and in groups.
Police also warned against leaving children and homes unattended or unlocked while joining celebrations, noting that this exposes families to risks of burglary, theft, and harm to children. The public has further been cautioned against burning Christmas trees, tyres, or any other materials on roads or in public places, citing fire hazards and inconvenience to road users.
Regarding fireworks, Maate stressed that no individual or group should set off fireworks without express permission from the Inspector General of Police. He also warned security personnel against misusing firearms through celebratory gunfire.
Drunk driving, reckless riding, and careless driving have also been prohibited. "Some people stay in bars until late hours and come out drunk, driving or riding while jubilating. This behaviour is dangerous to the individuals involved and other road users," Maate noted.
Police warned that anyone found engaging in criminal or dangerous activities during the celebrations risks arrest and prosecution. "Security deployments are in place across the region to ensure that the New Year is ushered in peacefully," Maate emphasized.
