Luke Owoyesigyire, a spokesman for the Kampala Metropolitan District police, claims that the victims were crushed when hundreds of spectators tried to enter the venue after witnessing a fireworks show to ring in the new year.
“It is alleged that the incident occurred at midnight when the event’s MC encouraged attendees to go outside and watch the fireworks display. After the display ended, a stampede ensued, resulting in the instant deaths of five people and injuries to several others,” Owoyesigyire said.
Emergency personnel rushed on the scene, he said, and took the injured people to the hospital, where nine of them were later determined to be dead.
Police say that while they begin their investigations into the reckless and careless act, bodies have been moved to City Mortuary Mulago for postmortem.
One of several celebrations held around the nation to ring in the new year by revelers was held at Freedom City along Entebbe Road.