Reports say the incident occurred at midnight after a fireworks display.
At least nine people were killed during a stampede at Freedom City Mall in the capital Kampala, Uganda, as revellers ushered in the New Year during festivities, police have said.
After fireworks at the popular venue for entertainment concerts, a stampede ensued resulting in the instant deaths of five people and injuries to several others.
“It is alleged that the incident occurred at midnight when the event's emcee encouraged attendees to go outside and watch the fireworks display. After the display ended, a stampede ensued resulting into the instant deaths of five people,” Kampala Metropolitan Deputy Police Spokesperson ASP Luke Owoyesigyire said on January 1, 2023.
Additionally, ASP Owoyesigyire disclosed that emergency responders transported several casualties to a hospital where a total of nine fatalities were confirmed following the crowd crush.
Several children were among those crushed to death in the new year festivities.
Freedom City Mall is located just seven minutes drive from the capital, along Kampala-Entebbe road.
“The Katwe Territorial Police are investigating an incident of rush and neglect that occurred at a New Year's Eve event at the Freedom City Mall Namasuba," ASP Owoyesigyire said.
The bodies were transferred to City Mortuary Mulago, he added.
- Additional reporting by Julius Barigaba.