Police have authorized 2,385 venues nationwide to host fireworks displays for the upcoming New Year celebrations. In addition, 10 companies have received official approval to supply and manage the fireworks across the country.

Leading the list, Tomil Fireworks Ltd will provide displays at 752 venues, followed by Quality Lighting Uganda Ltd with 397 locations. Other major suppliers include Sky Frames Uganda Ltd (285 venues), Fireworks 7000 (U) Ltd (276 venues), and Extremes Fireworks Ltd (236 venues).

Additional approved companies are Cosmic Displays (187 venues), Goshen Africa Ltd (97 venues), Light Africa (U) Ltd (71 venues), Jwala Investments Co. Ltd (54 venues), and Fesco (U) Ltd, which will conduct displays at 30 venues.

Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke emphasized that all approved venues must strictly follow safety regulations, including limiting each fireworks display to no more than five minutes.

“Fireworks shall only be discharged by a licensed blaster representing an approved applicant. The fireworks display must be publicly advertised in both electronic and print media, particularly on local FM radio stations and in newspapers, prior to the event,” Rusoke stated. He reiterated that the total duration of any fireworks show must not exceed five minutes from the first explosion.

To ensure safety, Counter Terrorism (CT) officers will escort fireworks materials and supervise the displays, working closely with respective District Police Commanders (DPCs). These officers will also inspect all venues beforehand to verify their suitability for hosting fireworks. Area DPCs retain the authority to halt any display that fails to comply with safety guidelines.

Police further warned that unused fireworks must only be handled by individuals holding a valid explosives blaster’s license. Failure to comply with regulations may result in immediate termination of the display, whether before or during the event, and could attract further legal consequences.

In a related advisory, police urged the public to avoid burning tyres during New Year festivities, noting the practice causes significant damage to roads and infrastructure. Firearm owners were also cautioned against firing shots into the air, as it poses serious risks to public safety.