Police warn against celebratory tyre burning on New Year’s

If you are intending to welcome the New Year mid-next week by burning tyres on roads, think again.

The Police in Kiira region have sternly warned against this way of celebrating the arrival of yet another year.

Charles Nsaba, the Kiira regional police commander, said anyone caught burning tyres and jerricans on roads will be arrested to face the law.

He told a press briefing on Thursday at the regional fire brigade grounds that the practice is illegal and poses a serious threat to public safety and road infrastructure.

“We are cautioning the public against the burning of tyres, jerricans and other materials on roads as part of New Year celebrations. Such acts not only cause environmental pollution, but also damage road surfaces and put lives at risk,” said Nsaba.

“The destruction of public property is a criminal offense, and we will not tolerate it. Our officers will be on high alert to ensure compliance."

Instead, the public has been urged to find safer ways of ushering in the new year.

Increased patrols

With only just under a week to end the year, the Police in Kiira said they will ramp up patrols and surveillance across Jinja city, the towns of Buwenge, Kakira and Bugembe, as well as the Jinja-Iganga and Jinja-Kamuli highways.

Nsaba said their sister security agencies of the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) will support this increased security during the New Year's festivities.

He said the Christmas festival had gone on without incident, thanks to the vigilance of the Police.

Drunk driving warning

The Police have also warned against driving under the influence of alcohol.

Early Thursday (December 26), a driver crashed into a building, causing severe damage, in Bwase zone in Buwenge town council.

A female occupant of the car was arrested after reportedly being found drunk and beer bottles recovered in the vehicle. No fatality was registered.

Meanwhile, James Mubi, the Kiira region Police spokesperson, said the area police managed to reunite 12 stranded children with their parents during Christmas.

He paid tribute to coordinated efforts involving all stakeholders, including the general public, as the reason for the smooth celebrations so far.

Mubi said people should not drop their guard and instead remain vigilant.

He said security guidelines regarding all persons or companies intending to display fireworks must apply to the Inspector General of police authorization and will later be supervised by the counter-terrorism teams and area district Police commanders at the various venues.