Jinja: The territorial police in Kiira region have reported that at least five individuals were arrested for allegedly causing public disorder while ushering in the new year, 2025.
Covering Jinja city and the greater Jinja district, security chiefs ensured intensified deployment and steadfast patrols to manage any insecurities amidst the celebrations to bid farewell to 2024.
In his statement on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, SP James Mubi, Kiira region police spokesperson, informed the media that no accidents or fire outbreaks were reported during the celebrations, including the Passover and fireworks displays.
“We have withheld the identities of the five individuals we arrested across the region because we are still investigating the matter and gathering sensitive information about their actions,” Mr. Mubi said.
Ugandans and foreign nationals turned up in large numbers at various venues to bid farewell to 2024 and welcome the new year, 2025. Mubi stated that over 100 venues were authorized to display dramatic fireworks in Kiira region, and security forces successfully deployed enough officers to manage these locations.
Friends and families took to the streets to watch the impressive fireworks displays. Cafes, restaurants, hotels, and bars were all filled up. The new year celebrations in Jinja are credited to strong and welcoming security.
“Jinja remains at the top of the list for new year celebrations, thanks to its welcoming and dominant security,” he noted.
He emphasized that joint security patrol teams focused on preventing pickpocketing in crowded areas, while Counter-Terrorism Police and General Duty personnel were deployed to all venues authorized to display fireworks to ensure adherence to security guidelines.
“Organizers ensured that the five-minute fireworks displays were controlled to avoid unnecessary panic among the public,” he added. Mubi commended the organizers for managing access controls to prevent organized crimes such as terrorism, murder, torture, rape, armed robbery, theft of motor vehicles, and arson, among others.
Mubi also noted that the festive season in Kiira region remained peaceful, adding that the tight grip on security would continue throughout the post-festive period, with a particular focus on January and February.
“These two months, if not well planned for, can lead to an increase in crime because people might have spent most of their money during the Christmas and New Year season, leaving them with little or nothing,” he said. “Joint security programs will continue to run normally to curb the anticipated criminality,” he added.
Meanwhile, Mr. Umar Ntogona, the Assistant RDC of Luuka district, will always remember 2024 as a year that claimed the life of his comrade, Hajjat Nusura Nabukalu, who perished in a road crash on December 29. Nabukalu was the Deputy RDC of Budaka district.
Ntogona, however, encourages Ugandans to use the new year as an opportunity to transform their lives through government development initiatives like Emyooga, the Parish Development Model (PDM), and the GROW Women Enterprise program, among others.
“As we fight against poverty, let us remain security-conscious in our communities. Report any suspected individuals to the authorities to avoid negative outcomes,” Mr. Ntogona said.
