The new year in Uganda began with tragedy after a stampede in the national capital Kampala left at least nine people dead and several others injured, police said on Sunday.
The stampede happened at the Freedom City Mall in the suburb of Namasuba when people were running to watch the fireworks. Kampala Metropolitan deputy police spokesman, Luke Owoysigiyere, said the incident appeared to have happened at midnight ‘when attendees of an event were encouraged to go outside and watch the fireworks.’
“After the demonstration ended, a stampede broke out, killing five people instantly and injuring many others,” police said. Four other people were confirmed dead after the injured were taken to hospital.
“Emergency responders rushed to the scene and transported the injured to hospital,” police said. More information will be received during the day.
No arrests have been made so far. Police said the bodies were taken to the city morgue in Mulago.
(with inputs from agencies)
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