Police have cleared at least 1,970 venues to display end-of-year fireworks across the country.
The display venues, including churches, bars, clubs, restaurants, hotels, guest houses, and tourism sites, were cleared by the Inspector General of Police, Martins Ochola, through the Directorate of Operations Services (OPS).
Kampala South, which extends from Katwe police station up to Entebbe policing division, has 72 venues cleared to display fireworks. This region covers major police stations, including Katwe, Nateete, Kajjansi, Kabalagala, Ggaba, Entebbe, Nsangi, and CPS Kampala.
Kampala North, covering Nansana Municipality up to Kakiri town council, has 78 approved venues. This region includes Kawempe, Wandegeya, Old Kampala, Nansana, Matugga, Kasangati, Wakiso, and Kakiri.
Kampala East, which encompasses Jinja Road, Kira Road, Kira Division, Naggalama, and Mukono, has 56 venues cleared to display fireworks.
Ochola further instructed all regional, district, division, and officers in charge of stations to conduct onsite visits to the approved venues to ensure they comply with the guidelines, including having enough space to display fireworks and no inflammable substances and liquids such as petrol and gas cylinders nearby.
The venues should also be away from congested residential areas, have at least 10 fire extinguishers, and provide adequate entrance and exit routes.
Police spokesperson Fred Enanga said police commanders have been given the authority to cancel any fireworks display at any venue that does not meet the set guidelines.