The Uganda police have arrested renowned music event organizer and promoter, Abby Musinguzi, over the tragic New Year’s celebration that left 10 people dead. Musinguzi organized a music show to mark the end of the year at the famous leisure center Freedom City located along the road that leads to the country’s main Airport.
However, tragedy befell a few minutes past midnight when the day’s master of ceremony urged the merrymakers to move out to watch fireworks that ushered the country into 2023. It is said after 15 minutes of the fireworks display, people stepped themselves as they returned to their respective seats.
Senior Commissioner of Police, Fred Enanga, the national police spokesperson, said the emcee’s act of encouraging people to move out to watch fireworks was reckless and it is one of the reasons Musinguzi has been arrested.
“The celebrations were progressing well, till that point where the Master of Ceremonies, recklessly made an announcement for the concertgoers to move out and watch the fireworks display in the parking, and thereafter return to the concert,” Enanga said.
Police have identified the victims of the New Year’s tragedy victims as Daniel Kibuuka 11, and Daniella Kibuuka 14, residents of Gangu “B” zone, Ibrahim Kizito Ibrahim 11, who hailed from Kyebando Erisa zone, and Hakimati Nazima, 13.
Other fatalities are; Viola Nakanwagi 18, a resident of Watuba-Matugga, Namyalo Mary 30, a resident of Ndejje-Luga zone, Hadijjah Nakakande 16, a resident of Massajja “B” zone, Margeret Nakatumba 29, and Shafiq Mwanje, a resident of Kanyanya. However, one person had not yet been identified by Monday evening.
“The premises were physically inspected by counter-terrorism officers for fireworks and the territorial police of Katwe for the concert. The organisers and their private security were in charge of the inner security, while the external security and perimeter, were manned by the police and other security personnel, due to the existing threat environment,” Enanga said.
Police say they have established that the organisers put profits before the safety of revellers and concert goers, by using only one gate on the assumption, that other non-ticketed persons would take advantage and gain entry.
Enanga said detectives are also investigating circumstances under which young children between 10 – 17 years, gained entry into the venue. Such concerts and festivals require the concert goers to be 18 years and above.
Musinguzi’s lawyer and Kampala Lord Mayor, Erias Lukwago, has threatened to sue the government if they don’t set him free by end of tomorrow. Lukwago said the owner of the premises Sebalamu should have been among those arrested and argued that Musinguzi’s arrest is politically motivated since he is a renowned supporter of former Presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi alias Bobi Wine and a member of National Unity Platform -NUP.
President Yoweri Museveni has directed police to ensure proper investigations are conducted and also culpable persons are apprehended. The scene was on Monday evening visited by Deputy Inspector General of Police -Maj Gen Geoffrey Katsigazi Tumusiime and Vice President Jessica Alupo. Museveni has provided 5 million shillings to families that lost their dear ones in the tragedy.