The Ugandan Police Service has banned fireworks displays, burning tyres and overnight prayers as Ugandans usher in the New Year this Friday, December 31, 2021.

These have been unmissable rituals on New Year’s eve, bringing together thousands of revelers from across the country to celebrate the end of the year and usher in the new year, in style.

However, in the wake of government restrictions to control the spread of COVID-19, bars, which often were licensed to display fireworks, have officially remained closed, and the country is still under a nighttime curfew that starts at 7 pm and runs until 5:30 am.

Police spokesperson, Fred Enanga in a statement noted that with such restrictions in place, citizens are expected to be indoors on New Year’s eve. He further disclosed that the security agencies will deploy personnel in various places to ensure that no one is walking, driving or operating restricted businesses like bars during the curfew time.

Enanga then advised hotel owners, homes and other business operators to adopt other new celebratory measures of ushering in a New Year.

“We want to inform the public, proprietors of hotels, gardens and dealers that fireworks are cancelled due to uncertainties caused by COVID-19”.
Enanga

Before COVID-19 hit Uganda and the world at large, the police service usually cleared between 500 and 1000 venues across the country to use fireworks as a way of welcoming in the New Year. Bars that have been under lock and key for close to two years, have been warned not to risk the lives of people by organizing events for celebrating the New Year.

Clerics who normally organize crossover prayer events at Kololo, Namboole or inside their churches have also not been spared. The police warned that no person is expected to be found at church during curfew hours.

The police spokesperson said: “All churches’ leaders, pastors are reminded that all crossover prayers marked by millions to usher in New year have also been cancelled”.

According to Enanga, at least, 1400 pedestrians are arrested every week for walking past curfew hours. Enanga mentioned that such operations will be intensified on New Year’s eve. In order to avoid spending the night in police cells, the public have been advised to plan for their movements early enough because the operations will start at exactly 7 pm.

Meanwhile, some members of the public, per their comments are glad about the ban. According to them, the new year prayer night time excitement is usually characterized by thieves and accidents. Therefore, it is the best decision the security agency has ever made.

However, some who were against the ban posited that the police should confess that they fear bomb explosions during the new year celebrations and that is the main reason for the ban.

Well, the story of imposed ban is no different in Zimbabwe. The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has also banned churches and other organizations’ traditional night vigils and crossover services ahead of New Year’s eve, noting that the country is in a nationwide lockdown.

Zimbabwe is currently under Level Two lockdown with a curfew in place between 9 pm and 6 am. ZRP national spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner, Paul Nyathi emphasized that those who congregate in violation of the curfew hours will be arrested and prosecuted.