Police in Katwe are investigating an incident in which a stampede ensued, resulting in the instant deaths of 9 people and leaving several others injured.
The incident happened during the New Year’s Eve ‘Jangu Tuggalewo Omwaka concert’ organized by events guru, Abitex Musinguzi at the Freedom City Mall.
Prior to midnight, there were performances from Nina Roz, Pallaso, Eddy Kenzo, Shakira, Carol Nantongo, Geoffrey Lutaaya and his wife Irene Namatovu,joined by comedians MC Mariachi, and the duo, Maulana and Reign.
The commotion started immediately after Eddy Kenzo’s performance a few minutes before midnight.
According to the Deputy Police PRO Kampala Metropolitan, ASP Luke Owoyesigyire, the unfortunate incident happened at midnight when the event’s master of ceremony told a mammoth of revellers to move outside for the fireworks display. After the fireworks moment, revellers thronged the entrance to secure seats causing a stampede that led to the death of 9 people with others sustaining injuries.
“Emergency responders swiftly arrived on the scene to provide first aid and transport victims to the hospital. The bodies of the dead were conveyed to City Mortuary Mulago,” Noted ASP Luke Owoyesigyire in a Press Statement.
Eye witnesses say, a woman was seen carrying a child suspected to have already died as police guided her to awaiting ambulance. 6 out of the nine people who died are said to be juveniles. Death toll is anticipated to raise.
Preliminary findings indicate that there was negligence and unpreparedness on the side of the organisers. By press time, the event master mind, Abitex Musinguzi had already been arrested to help in the ongoing investigations.
