Stampede during Uganda New Year event leaves at least 9 dead

Police say a stampede during New Year’s Eve celebrations at a popular shopping mall in Uganda’s capital, Kampala, left at least nine people dead, including children

KAMPALA, Uganda — A stampede during New Year’s Eve celebrations at a popular shopping mall in Uganda’s capital, Kampala, has left at least nine people dead, including children, police said on Sunday.

The stampede happened at Freedom City Mall in suburban Namasuba as revelers rushed to watch the fireworks.

Kampala Metropolitan Police deputy spokesman Luke Owoyesigyire said the incident appeared to have happened at midnight “when an event host encouraged attendees to come out and watch a bonfire artifice”.

Katwe Territorial Police are “investigating an incident of eruption (behaviour) and negligence”, according to an official statement.

No arrests have been made so far.

Police said five people died at the scene and four others died of their injuries at the hospital where they had been taken for treatment. There was no immediate information about other injured people.

Police said the bodies were taken to Mulago town morgue.

The mall is a popular venue for music concerts and New Year’s Eve celebrations.