Pulse Lists: 8 companies licensed to blast fireworks as Uganda welcomes 2025

The Uganda Police Force has granted permission to eight licensed companies to display fireworks tonight as the country ushers in 2025.

The approved companies are Tomil Fireworks Ltd, Quality Lighting (U) Ltd, Fireworks 7000 Ltd, Light Africa Ltd, Goshen Africa Ltd, Extremes Events Services Ltd, Sky Frames (U) Ltd, and FESCO Ltd.

ACP Rusoke Kituuma, the Police Public Relations Officer, stated that the force received requests from various organisations, including hotels, entertainment centres, and places of worship, to conduct fireworks displays. A total of 2,900 applications were approved nationwide.

Organisations conducting fireworks displays are required to adhere to the following guidelines:

• Publicity: Fireworks displays must be advertised through both electronic and print media, particularly on local FM radio stations and in newspapers.

• Print advertisements: Newspaper adverts must appear on pages 1, 2, 3, or 4 and must be prominent and large enough to draw attention.

• Calibre Limit: Fireworks must not exceed a calibre of 1.5mm.

• Duration: Each display is limited to a maximum of five (5) minutes from the first blast.

• Supervision: Counter-Terrorism Police personnel will escort the fireworks materials and supervise the displays alongside the respective District Police Commanders (DPCs) to ensure public safety.

• Unused materials: Any unused fireworks must be handled exclusively by individuals holding an explosives blaster license.

• Venue inspections: Counter-Terrorism Police and DPCs will inspect all venues beforehand to ensure they are suitable for a fireworks display.

• Authority to Stop: DPCs have the authority to halt any display if the guidelines are not fully adhered to.

• Non-compliance: Failure to comply with these guidelines will result in immediate termination of the display and may lead to additional measures as deemed necessary.

The police further advised the public to refrain from burning tyres during the celebrations and issued a stern warning against individuals discharging firearms into the air to mark the new year.