Kampala Festive Season Passes Peacefully, Police Report

Kampala Metropolitan Police have reported a calm and largely incident-free Christmas and Boxing Day period across the city and surrounding areas, attributing the stability to coordinated security deployments, public cooperation and support from sister security agencies.

Police said the 2025 festive season was generally peaceful, with only a few isolated incidents recorded during the two-day celebrations. The most notable incident occurred in the Kampala Metropolitan Police (KMP) South area under Kajjansi Police Division, where a fire broke out in the early hours of December 26 at Kitende in Kajjansi Town Council, Wakiso District.

The fire completely destroyed a six-room residential house occupied by a tenant and her family. Police confirmed that all nine occupants escaped unharmed. A team of detectives, Scene of Crime Officers and the Fire Brigade responded promptly, secured the scene and commenced investigations. Preliminary findings point to a suspected electrical fault, although inquiries are still ongoing.

Meanwhile, Boxing Day activities across Entebbe Division and other parts of the metropolitan area attracted large crowds to music concerts, beach events, entertainment venues and religious gatherings. These activities took place at locations including Imperial Resort Beach Hotel, Aero Beach, Lido and White Sand beaches, Kitubulu Public Beach, Nkumba and Manyago beaches, the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre and Victoria Mall.

Police said all events concluded peacefully under close supervision, with both overt and covert officers deployed on major roads, beaches, landing sites and entertainment spots to ensure public safety.

ASP Luke Owoyesigyire, the Deputy Public Relations Officer for Kampala Metropolitan Police, said the overall security situation remained stable throughout the festivities.

“The 2025 festive season, particularly Christmas Day and Boxing Day, was generally calm and well managed across the Kampala Metropolitan Area, with no major incidents registered,” Owoyesigyire said.

He added that police worked closely with sister security agencies, including the Uganda People’s Defence Forces and Aviation Police, whose support enhanced security coverage in key areas.

According to police records, only a few incidents were reported, including one injury case at Aero Beach, one fatal road accident, one serious accident and four minor accidents. Several suspected phone snatchers were also arrested, among them a known criminal operating in the Kisenyi area, locally known as Makona.

Owoyesigyire noted that both crime and accident levels during this festive season were significantly lower compared to previous years.

Kampala Metropolitan Police said security operations remain ongoing as celebrations head toward the New Year, assuring the public that deployments are still in place across the metropolitan area. Police also thanked members of the public for their cooperation and responsible conduct during the festive period.