Police set fireworks guidelines as Electoral Commission rejects voter register claims

30 December 2025, 12:44 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

As the year draws to a close, fireworks are traditionally used in many countries to usher in the New Year. Against this backdrop, the Uganda Police Force has issued clear guidelines regulating the use of fireworks during the festive season.

Addressing the media yesterday at Police Headquarters in Kampala, Police Spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke stated that fireworks may only be discharged by a licensed blaster representing an approved applicant. He explained that any planned fireworks display must be publicly advertised through both electronic and print media, particularly local FM radio stations and newspapers, prior to the event.

Rusoke further noted that the duration of any fireworks display must not exceed five minutes from the first blast. He added that Counter Terrorism Police officers will escort fireworks materials and jointly supervise displays with the respective District Police Commanders to ensure public safety and security.

He also stated that Counter Terrorism officers and District Police Commanders are required to carry out prior inspections of all venues to confirm their suitability for fireworks displays. According to Rusoke, area DPCs reserve the authority to halt any fireworks display that does not comply with the issued guidelines. He emphasised that any unused fireworks materials must only be handled by a person holding a valid explosives blaster’s licence.

Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Justice Simon Byabakama, has dismissed allegations circulating on social media regarding the National Voters Register. Byabakama was responding to a statement shared on Platform X by National Unity Platform presidential flag bearer Robert Kyagulanyi Sentamu, who alleged irregularities involving two voter location slips bearing the name Matovu Ronald with identical dates of birth.

Byabakama described the claims as incorrect and misleading. He explained that, in accordance with Section 19 of the Electoral Commission Act, the Commission issued a soft copy of the National Voters Register to all presidential candidates immediately after nominations held on 23 and 24 September 2025.

He urged Mr Kyagulanyi and other stakeholders to use the established channels provided by the Commission to verify information and raise any concerns related to the electoral process.

The Electoral Commission further reiterated that the polling date for the presidential and parliamentary elections remains unchanged and will take place on 15 January 2026.