A report issued by the police revealed that at least 57 people lost their lives between December 31, 2023, and January 1, 2024, during New Year celebrations in Uganda. The breakdown of fatalities includes 26 in road accidents, five due to mob action, six hacked to death, four from suicide, and two poisoned. Other causes include sharp object injuries, domestic violence, drowning, and arson.
Many of the violent incidents occurred in bars, according to Mr Fred Enanga, the police spokesperson. Operations during this period led to the arrest of 300 suspects, including 57 from the Enkuuka festival, the Buganda Kingdom’s end-of-year show in Lubiri Mengo, Kampala. Those arrested included individuals throwing bottles at the stage during musical performances.
In road accidents, 26 people lost their lives, and 16 suffered serious injuries. The Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety, Mr. Michael Kananura, emphasized the need for pedestrians to exercise caution on the roads. Among the fatalities, pedestrians accounted for the highest percentage, with four passengers on motorcycles, seven motorcycle riders, 13 pedestrians, one driver, and one pedal cyclist.
Mr Kananura urged pedestrians to wear bright clothing at night for visibility, walk on the right-hand side of the road to see oncoming traffic, use safe crossing points like zebra crossings, and avoid crossing behind parked vehicles.
The police are taking legal action against those arrested, with some awaiting court arraignment for their involvement in disruptive behaviour during public events.
